Williams Sonoma Carrot Cake Healthier Version Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350°F Butter and flour a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.
• To make the cake, peel and grate the carrots. You should have about 3 cups. Set aside.
• Over a sheet of parchment paper or a plate, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and mace. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the agave, eggs, oil, applesauce and orange zest and whisk thoroughly to combine. Stir in the carrots. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until almost completely incorporated. Add the raisins and nuts and fold to mix thoroughly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Watch the time closely at the end so the cake does not overbake. It might have to bake a little longer if you use a different type of pan so just keep checking it and inserting a toothpick until it comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes. Place a cake rack on top of the pan, invert them together and lift off the pan. Let the cake cool completely. Cover the cake with a slightly damp clean kitchen towel so the outside does not dry out as it cools.
• Transfer the cooled cake to a serving platter. Using an icing spatula, frost the cake with a thick layer of frosting. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Makes one 9-by-13-inch cake.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.
• Beat together eggs, oil, white sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
• To make frosting: Combine butter, Neufchatel cheese, confectioner's sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Spread frosting over completely cooled cake.