Healthy Easter Desert Recipe

Posted by

Easter is a great time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a feast. Since Americans are becoming more conscious of their oral and overall health, we look for deserts that are good for our bodies and teeth. Enjoy this low-fat carrot cake recipe for your Easter feast.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
  • 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots (4-6 medium)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Frosting

  • 12 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons coconut chips, or flaked coconut, toasted

Preparation

  1. To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Drain pineapple in a sieve set over a bowl, pressing on the solids. Reserve the drained pineapple and 1/4 cup of the juice.
  3. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
  4. Whisk eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and the 1/4 cup pineapple juice in a large bowl until blended.
  5. Stir in pineapple, carrots and 1/4 cup coconut.
  6. Add the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until blended. Stir in the nuts.
  7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
  8. Bake the cake until the top springs back when touched lightly and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare frosting and finish cake: Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

I’m Dr. James Stewart, a Livonia dentist, and I encourage maintaining proper oral health to maintain good overall health. Diet contributes to oral health, as well. If it is time for your six-month dental visit, call my office at (734)425-4400 to schedule an appointment. Bon appetite!