Recipe: Healthy Carrot Cake in a Mug

Photo by Asia Bradlee

Hit by that late-night cake craving? We’ve been there. But don’t reach for a pre-made cake packed with sugar and ingredients you can’t pronounce—make this easy, healthy mug cake recipe, which is full of whole grains, vegetables, and protein.

This single-serving carrot cake is vegan, low-sugar, and only takes one minute to bake. What more could you want?

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 microwave-safe mug
4 Tbsp spelt flour
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 small ripe banana
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup matchstick carrots
2 Tbsp walnuts (or any nut of your choice), chopped

For the Greek yogurt frosting:

1 Tbsp low-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp maple syrup

Directions

Start by mashing the banana in the mug until smooth. Once completely mashed, add the flour, maple syrup, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and walnuts. Stir well.

Grind the carrots in a food processor or blender, or chop them into very fine pieces. Scrape the ground carrot into the mug. Stir again until the carrot is combined.

Microwave the cake for one to two minutes, until cooked through. Use a toothpick to test if it’s done.

While the cake cools, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup in a bowl. Whisk together until combined.

When the cake is warm, but not hot, spread the frosting on top. Serve with a sprinkle of raisins or shredded coconut for garnish.