This easy paleo carrot cake is a perfectly moist (but not heavy) spice cake loaded with flavor and fresh carrots. The cake itself is paleo, and I've provided several options for delicious paleo and non-paleo frostings - because carrot cake isn't complete without a creamy, tangy frosting! No eggs, no dairy, no refined sugar.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9" round pans with coconut oil -- or spray with nonstick spray if not paleo -- and dust with gluten-free flour. Shake out the excess and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, coconut oil, and sweetener and whisk to combine.
3 eggs, 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
Add applesauce, coconut sugar, almond milk, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves and whisk again to combine.
Add carrots and flour and whisk to combine. Fold in 1 cup of the chopped nuts of choice.
2 cups carrot, 2 cups paleo baking flour blend, 1 3/4 cup pecans or walnuts
Divide batter evenly among the two prepared cake pans.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost totally clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then move to wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
In a medium bowl using a stand or hand mixer, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and salt and beat until combined and smooth.
8 ounces cream cheese (block, not spread), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure or clear vanilla extract, Pinch salt
Add the whipped cream mixture to the cream cheese mixture and whip for a few seconds to combine.
Place one layer of the cake on cake stand or plate, and add 1/3 of the frosting on top, all the way to the edges. Place the other cake layer on top, then cover with the remaining frosting (on top, and around the edges). Garnish with remaining chopped nuts, slice, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Store covered in fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutritional information below is for the cake alone - does not include frosting since it would depend on which one you use.