Are you looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cake? This recipe sneaks in fruit and veg, and only uses oil to stop the mix from sticking.
Make the Cake Your Own
To make your vegan banana carrot cake special, add a variety of mix-ins and toppings. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add crunch.
Raisins or dried cranberries offer a burst of sweetness and texture. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can complement the cinnamon already used in the recipe for a spicy twist.
This cake is delicious, whether served warm or at room temperature. For a bit extra serve each slice with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Banana Carrot Cake
This cake is healthier than some others. It has some whole ingredients that are plant-based. Bananas and carrots add natural sweetness, fibre, and vitamins. Bananas are rich in potassium, benefiting heart health.
Carrots provide beta-carotene, aiding vision and boosting the immune system. Whole wheat flour increases fibre, aiding digestion. Moreover, the cake contains no animal products. It is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
Key Health Highlights
This cake offers:
Natural Sweetness: Bananas and carrots add sweetness, so less sugar is needed.
Heart-Healthy Ingredients: It’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.
High in Fibre: Whole wheat flour, bananas, and carrots add fibre to help keep you full.
Even though this is a treat, there are some small health benefits. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fibre. Carrots provide beta-carotene and more fibre. Using whole wheat flour adds whole grains to your diet. This helps your digestion. Also, by using plant-based ingredients, this cake is low in saturated fats. It has no cholesterol. This is good for heart health.
For those who want to add a decorative touch to this cake, a basic vegan icing can make it look and taste better. Mix powdered sugar with some plant-based milk and vanilla. This will create a smooth, drizzly icing. Pour it over the top of the cake. Then, sprinkle it with shredded coconut or orange zest. This will give it a vibrant, eye-catching finish. Or, for a more rustic look, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add to the cake's charm.
This cake is dense and moist from the mashed banana and apple sauce. Choose this recipe because it is a healthier alternative to many other recipes, so you can have your cake and eat it. Show support and subscribe! Thank you for reading.
Vegan Cake Storage
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also wrap individual slices and freeze them for up to a month. This ensures you have a tasty treat ready when you want.
Easy Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe With Banana
Ingredients
1 ½ cups self-raising flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup grated carrots
¾ cup raw sugar
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (as an oil substitute)
¼ cup plant-based milk (barista oat is my choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, (optional) salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, grated carrots, brown sugar, applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the nuts and raisins or dried cranberries.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow to cool for longer before adding the icing.
Applesauce Icing
Ingredients
1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
walnuts (optional for topping)
Instructions
1. Start with Icing Sugar: Place the sifted icing sugar in a mixing bowl. Sifting helps to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth frosting.
2. Add Applesauce Gradually: Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of applesauce to the icing sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting becomes too thin, you can add more sifted icing sugar to thicken it up. Conversely, if it's too thick, add a bit more applesauce.
4. Taste and Adjust: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add more icing sugar. For a thinner glaze-like consistency, increase the applesauce slightly.
5. Use Immediately: Once you've achieved the desired consistency and flavour, use the frosting to top your cake. Top with walnuts.
6. Store Properly: If you have leftover frosting or if the frosted cake won't be eaten right away, store it in the refrigerator due to the moisture content from the applesauce.
This applesauce icing is a quick and easy way to add sweetness and a light apple flavour to your desserts. Remember that this frosting will be more liquid than traditional buttercream or cream cheese frosting, so it might not hold up as well for intricate decorating purposes.
Enjoy your Easy Vegan Banana Carrot Cake! If you like the recipe, please subscribe.
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