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I’ll never forget the first time I baked this carrot cake for my family. My grandmother had this incredible garden where she grew the sweetest carrots.
It wasn’t just a vegetable—it was the star of every meal. This recipe combines that nostalgia with a healthier twist, made simple using the Ninja Foodi.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s a way to celebrate wholesome, fresh ingredients.
Tips and Substitutions
- No Ninja Foodi? Bake in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 35–40 minutes.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts and use sunflower seeds for a crunch.
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace raisins with unsweetened dried cranberries.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ginger for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Slice generously and serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce. Garnish with shredded carrots or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that “wow” factor.
Moist, Healthy Ninja Foodi Carrot Cake (Gluten-Free)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A moist, spiced carrot cake made gluten-free and baked in the Ninja Foodi for a quick, healthy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup maple syrup (or honey if not strictly vegan)
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Grate the carrots finely for the best texture and flavor infusion.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid soggy batter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine and Fold:
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and raisins.
- Cook in the Ninja Foodi:
- Grease and line a round cake pan that fits inside your Ninja Foodi.
- Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Use the Bake/Roast function at 325°F for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost:
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting. For a healthier option, mix cream cheese with a bit of maple syrup and vanilla for a simple, tangy frosting.
Notes
Adjust sweetness to taste with maple syrup or honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
