Most of us like a piece of cake or other sweet morsels to have with our cuppas. The question is, “how can we make it as healthy as possible?”

The first questions to ask then are for you to consider how you can reduce the sugar content overall and then how we can even introduce fibre into the mix, which is generally better for our gut health.

Simple things can make your cakes healthier. Substituting white flour with whole flour. If you are gluten intolerant, there is gluten-free flour now available. Butter can be replaced with butter alternatives like Nuttelex, unsweetened apple sauce, or even oils, adding more moisture.

If you are lactose intolerant, you can use flaxseed eggs instead of hen’s eggs, and cow’s milk can be substituted for coconut or almond milk.

Often, unless there is a specific health concern, the saying ‘everything in moderation’ can certainly apply to cakes and sweets. However, some people have health concerns and need to modify everyday recipes. Today, we are fortunate to have a wide range of substitutes available for those who may be lactose- or gluten-intolerant, have diabetes, or just wish to live a healthy lifestyle.

This recipe is suitable for people with diabetes. It is high in fibre and low in sugar. Remember, each serving has 33.6gm of carbohydrates, so eat in moderation!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of plain flour
• 2/3 cup of flax seed meal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 5 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 cups finely grated carrots
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup Splenda or other sugar alternative
• 1/2 cup Splenda brown sugar mix (or if this isn't available, increase the Splenda by 1/4 cup and add 1/2 tbsp of molasses)
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 coarsely grated carrot (for decoration, optional)
• Handful of walnuts (for decoration, optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 55 grams of softened, reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tsp sweetener
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180
2. Grease and lightly flour two small loaf pans
3. Line bottom and sides with baking paper
4. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, flax meal, baking powder, spice mix, baking soda and salt.
5. In a second bowl, combine finely grated carrots, eggs, Splenda(molasses) and oil.
6. Add this mix to the flour mix. Stir until combined. Divide the mixture into the pans.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool on rack.
8. Mix frosting ingredients well with electric beaters. Place half on top of one cake and place second on top. Spread with remaining frosting.
9. Decorate with coarsely grated carrots and, if you wish, some chopped walnuts. Serve and enjoy!