This richly spiced carrot cake is tender, fragrant, and packed with wholesome goodness. Instead of a standard sugar-laden bake, this version embraces functional ingredients like fresh carrots (vitamin A for skin), saffron (for mood and complexion), cinnamon and ginger (digestion), and nuts (healthy fats for glow). The cream cheese frosting is infused with saffron milk and sweetened with honey, delivering a creamy floral topping with gentle indulgence. Perfect for wellness celebrations, tea tables, or recipe journaling, this cake balances tradition, nutrition, and elegance in every bite.
🍰 INGREDIENTS:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or spelt flour for a nuttier texture)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup jaggery powder or coconut sugar
- ½ cup raw honey
- ¾ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup crushed walnuts or pecans
- Zest of 1 orange (optional — adds brightness)
For the Saffron Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (adds protein and tang)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of saffron, soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
- ½ tsp rosewater (optional for aromatic finish)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Toasted chopped walnuts or pistachios
- A few strands of saffron
- Edible rose petals (optional)
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Whisk to aerate and blend the spices.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together jaggery powder, honey, and oil until emulsified.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest if using.
Step 4: Fold & Combine
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts.
- Do not overmix — a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🧁 Make the Saffron Frosting
Step 1: Soak & Blend
- Soak saffron threads in warm milk for 5 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
- Add saffron milk, rosewater, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Frost & Garnish
- Once cake is fully cooled, spread frosting over top or slice cake into layers and frost between.
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts, saffron strands, and rose petals if desired.
✨ Nutritional Highlights:
- Carrots: Beta-carotene supports skin glow and immunity
- Saffron: Traditional mood lifter and complexion booster
- Olive oil & nuts: Provide fatty acids for cell repair
- Greek yogurt frosting: Adds protein and probiotics
- Spices: Aid metabolism and reduce inflammation
🕒 Serving Tips:
- Slice and serve with herbal chai or fennel seed tea.
- Refrigerate leftovers — best enjoyed within 3 days.
- Can be prepped a day in advance for parties or wellness retreats.