Name: Carrot Cake with chocolate ganache
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 carrots; 4 tbsp brown sugar; 3 eggs; 1 cup rice milk; 4 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of salt; 2 cups oat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 chocolate bar 85% cocoa

Carrot cake with chocolate ganache is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet of a classic carrot cake with the rich and indulgent taste of chocolate ganache. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a birthday party to a holiday gathering.

Tomorrow I celebrate the 5th anniversary of Alida’s Food and I have chosen one of my favourite cakes to celebrate this anniversary: this carrot cake with chocolate ganache is the perfect cake for this special occasion.

I am so happy to be here and that this project is becoming bigger and bigger. Thank you for your trust and for helping Alida’s Food grow.

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s moist, flavourful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great choice for special occasions. Here are some reasons why you should consider carrot cake for your upcoming celebration.

Chocolate ganache, on the other hand, a delicious and decadent topping. The ganache is rich and indulgent, making it the perfect complement to the rich flavours of the carrot cake.

Is it possible to celebrate with a cake on a balanced diet?

Yes, it is possible to eat cake as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s important to note that cake is generally considered a treat or indulgence rather than a staple food in a healthy diet.

To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important to eat a variety of foods from all the major food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s also important to pay attention to portion sizes and moderation when consuming foods that are high in calories, sugar, or saturated fats, like cake.

If you want to include cake in your diet, you can do so by enjoying a small slice occasionally as a treat. You can also consider making healthier versions of cake by using whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and incorporating fruits or vegetables into the recipe. Additionally, it’s important to balance your cake intake with regular exercise and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being

This carrot cake with chocolate ganache is a perfect example for a celebration cake.

Carrot Cake with Chocolate Ganache slices centered Resized

Healthy benefits of carrot cake

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. One of the most significant advantages of carrot cake is that it’s packed with healthy ingredients. This cake can have some potential health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carrots are a primary ingredient in carrot cake, and they are packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against various diseases, while vitamin A supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.

Carrots are a nutrient-dense vegetable that can provide numerous health benefits.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of carrots:

Nutrient-rich: Carrots are an excellent source of nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can help protect against various diseases, while vitamin A supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
Digestive health: The fiber in carrots can help promote digestive health by adding bulk to stools and reducing the risk of constipation. Additionally, the antioxidants in carrots can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can improve overall digestive function.
Blood pressure regulation: Carrots are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. A diet high in potassium has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Cholesterol management: Carrots contain soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the gut and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
Antioxidant protection: Carrots are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenols, which can help protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to heart disease.
Reduced risk of heart disease: Studies have found that consuming carrots regularly may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. One study found that women who ate more than three servings of carrots per week had a significantly lower risk of heart disease compared to those who ate less than one serving per week.

Overall, incorporating carrots into a heart-healthy diet can provide a range of benefits for cardiovascular health. However, it’s important to note that carrots alone cannot prevent or treat heart disease, and should be consumed as part of a balanced, nutritious diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

On the other hand, in this recipe we use the chocolate with 85% cocoa. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can have some potential health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of chocolate:

Antioxidants: Chocolate is high in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Heart health: Dark chocolate has been shown to have beneficial effects on heart health, including reducing blood pressure, improving blood flow, and lowering cholesterol levels. These effects are believed to be due to the presence of flavanols, which are plant compounds found in cocoa.
Brain function: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants that can improve mental alertness and cognitive function. Additionally, the flavanols in chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, which can help improve brain function and reduce the risk of dementia.
Mood: Chocolate has been shown to have mood-enhancing effects, possibly due to the presence of certain chemicals like phenylethylamine and serotonin. Eating chocolate can help boost mood and reduce stress levels.

It’s important to note that most chocolate products contain added sugars and fats, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems when consumed in excess. To enjoy the health benefits of chocolate, it’s best to consume it in moderation and choose high-quality chocolate products that are low in added sugars and fats.

Eat a slice of carrot cake and not the whole cake

When it comes to achieving optimal health and wellness, one key factor that often gets overlooked is the importance of mindset and food awareness. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leading us to neglect our dietary habits and choices. However, by cultivating a positive mindset and increasing our food awareness, we can take control of our health and well-being and achieve our desired goals.

So when we have a party or a special occasion that involves food, we have to eat with awareness. That is, to be able to eat our portion and know that we don’t need to eat the whole amount.
Our choices have a direct impact on our emotions. For example, when we eat more than we should, our feelings will be sadness and frustration. On the other hand, when we eat consciously and only our portion, we will feel happy for two reasons: firstly because we ate something we wanted to and secondly, we had control over the situation.

The way we look at food can completely change our behaviour.

In summary, mindset and food awareness are crucial components of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By cultivating a positive mindset and increasing our food awareness, we can improve our relationship with food, make more mindful choices, and achieve our health and wellness goals.

This carrot cake is one of my favourite cake, because…

is customizable!

You can add different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to give it a unique flavour. You can also add raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts to add texture and flavour. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make a layered carrot cake with different fillings or frostings.

Easy to Make

To make this carrot cake with chocolate ganache, you will need to start by making the cake batter. You will need oat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, carrots, eggs and olive oil. Mix everything at maximum power in a food processor or blender. Then, you need to pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake in a preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, you can start making the chocolate ganache. To make the ganache, you break the chocolate into small pieces. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Once the cake has finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula. You can also add, for example, some chopped nuts on top of the ganache for an extra touch of flavour and texture.

Carrot cake with chocolate ganache is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the cake combine perfectly with the rich and indulgent taste of the chocolate ganache, making this dessert a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are looking for a dessert to serve at a party or just want to treat yourself to something special, carrot cake with chocolate ganache is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In conclusion, carrot cake is an excellent choice for your birthday party. It’s healthy, delicious, customizable, and easy to make. With its unique flavour and moist texture, carrot cake is sure to be a hit with your guests. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Find out more delicious recipes:

Carrot Cake with Chocolate Ganache 90 angle with knife resized

Now, find the full recipe and make your special days even sweeter.