Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. But it doesn’t have to mean compromising your health or your waistline. There are many ways to enjoy delicious desserts without feeling guilty or deprived. Here are five amazing and healthy cakes that you can make this festive season, inspired by the recipes from The Quint.
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is good for your eyesight and skin. They also contain fiber, which helps you feel full and aids digestion. To make this cake healthier, you can use whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and low-fat cream cheese. You can also add some nuts and raisins for extra crunch and sweetness.
To make this cake, you will need:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 cups of grated carrots
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of raisins
For the frosting, you will need:
- 8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To make the cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the brown sugar and oil, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins, and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, follow these steps:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating well until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into pieces.
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious carrot cake with your loved ones this Christmas.
Chocolate Cake with Avocado Frosting
Chocolate cake is a decadent dessert that is hard to resist. But it doesn’t have to be unhealthy or high in calories. You can make a chocolate cake with avocado frosting that is rich, moist, and satisfying, without using any butter, oil, or refined sugar. Avocado is a superfood that is high in healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It also gives a creamy and smooth texture to the frosting, and complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
To make this cake, you will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
For the frosting, you will need:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
To make the cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the water and vinegar.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the honey, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, follow these steps:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Add the cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and salt, and process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into pieces.
Enjoy this rich and moist chocolate cake with avocado frosting this Christmas.
Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Banana cake is a moist and fluffy dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, and they also add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. To make this cake healthier, you can use whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and Greek yogurt. You can also add some chocolate chips for extra indulgence. To top it off, you can make a peanut butter frosting that is creamy, nutty, and high in protein. Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and magnesium, and it also pairs well with bananas and chocolate.
To make this cake, you will need:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
For the frosting, you will need:
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To make the cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and maple syrup with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the yogurt and bananas, and mix well.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and stir gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, follow these steps:
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating well until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into pieces.
Enjoy this moist and fluffy banana cake with peanut butter frosting this Christmas.
