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Wholesome High-Protein Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Greek Yogurt Frosting

high-protein carrot cake - featured image

A moist and hearty carrot cake packed with protein and topped with a tangy Greek yogurt frosting, perfect for a nourishing yet indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup (50g) vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) maple syrup or honey
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Greek Yogurt Frosting:
  • 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Grate the carrots finely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until no lumps remain.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add applesauce, maple syrup or honey, Greek yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold together using a rubber spatula until no flour streaks remain.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts if using. If batter is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by stirring together Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  10. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).
  11. Spread the Greek yogurt frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or cinnamon on top.

Notes

To prevent runny frosting, chill it before spreading or strain Greek yogurt through cheesecloth for 30 minutes to thicken. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Grease pan well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Applesauce keeps the cake moist without extra fat.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, high protein, Greek yogurt frosting, healthy dessert, whole wheat, protein powder, wholesome, easy recipe