Spring = Healthy Carrot Cake…right?

March is my birthday month and when I was a kid, this time of year was always the glorious start of Spring. I actually remember on one of my birthdays, I think I had turned 8, I got brand new rollerblades. I strapped on my knee-pads, elbow-pads, and helmet (you can never be too careful when rollerblading…) and off I went down our street, back and forth, rollerblading my little heart out (I believe there’s actually home video footage of this somewhere…thanks Dad!). It’s crazy that now, almost 25 years later (whoa I officially feel old), the weather is totally different in March as it’s usually still pretty wintery outside. I know Spring is slowly trying it’s best to make it’s debut this time of year, but it’s not totally apparent yet.

Still winter or not, March makes me think of Spring inspired things, and Carrot Cake is definitely one of them. I just love carrot cake, and since going totally dairy-free several years ago, it’s a treat I can usually never enjoy without making it myself as almost all the carrot cake I find at cafes, restaurants, or bakeries is made with cream cheese and other dairy ingredients. Because I love carrot cake I’ll whip it up at home using one of the many wonderful dairy-free and gluten-free recipes on the web or I’ll make my own carrot-cake inspired treat from scratch. Today I am sharing 11 Healthy Carrot Cake Recipes to make this Spring and what makes this list even more fun is that it’s not all cake. Think carrot cake cupcakes, carrot cake bites and balls, carrot cake banana bread (yum!), donuts, and even cookies!

Without further adieu…

The Healthy Carrot Cake Recipes:

Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Coconut Whipped Cream from Choosing Chia

First of all, I just need to say, Choosing Chia is just one of the most gorgeous blogs with beautiful photography. Seriously, wow! Jess uses spelt flour for these cupcakes but you could swap in an all-purpose gluten free flour for a GF version. I also love that the cupcake frosting is made dairy-free with coconut milk!

1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake from Minimalist Baker

This delicious and classic carrot cake recipe is made so easily with just one bowl – talk about easy clean up! Dana uses almond flour along with a gluten free flour blend for the carrot cake and gives several delicious vegan frosting options!

Baked Carrot Cake Protein Donuts with Cashew Frosting from Nutrition in the Kitch

If I can make carrot cake into a donut I will, and I did, here on the blog. These baked donuts are much healthier than the traditional and taste just like…carrot cake! The delicious cashew frosting is the perfect topping along with crushed walnuts.

Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake from Feasting On Fruit

I’ve made this recipe a few times now and each time I’m blown away by how delicious and close to the original this gluten free and vegan carrot cake from Feasting on Fruit tastes. Natalie seriously hits the nail on the head with this one!

Healthy Chai Spiced Carrot Cake Banana Bread from Hummusapien

I think this bread might just be the perfect combination – carrot cake and banana bread? Yes please! Alexis uses whole wheat pastry flour but you could easily sub in a 1 to 1 gluten-free baking flour to make this delicious bread gluten free friendly.

Carrot Cake Energy Balls from Nutrition in the Kitch

Carrot cake turned vegan energy balls with a delicious vanilla protein frosting! This delicious recipe actually comes from my very first cookbook, Energy Balls. I shared this recipe over on Mind Body Green a while back and even though it’s not on the blog you can still get the recipe!

Carrot Cake Breakfast Bars from In Fine Balance

When you are craving carrot cake, but it’s breakfast, you’ve got the perfect solution with these delicious and healthy breakfast bars made with almond butter, mashed banana, carrots, flaxseed, and cinnamon. Swap out the whole wheat flour for all purpose gluten free flour for a GF friendly version!

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies from Running To The Kitchen

These tasty cookies are filled with shredded carrots, cinnamon, rolled oats, raisins, and apple butter! Perfect for a carrot cake pick-me-up any time of day. Swap out the whole-wheat flour for 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour for a gluten free version. The frosting can also be made dairy free by using a dairy-free cream cheese!

Raw Carrot Cake Bites from My Darling Vegan

Vegan, raw, and delightfully delicious, these carrot cake bites are perfect for a healthy dessert or snack. Sarah uses raw walnuts, dates, and coconut to blend with carrots and all the right spices to make the base of these bites along with a raw cashew cream frosting.

Hemp & Honey Carrot Cake Oat Cups from Nutrition in the Kitch

Another tasty carrot-cake inspired option for breakfast or a healthy snack, these hemp and honey carrot cake oat cups are super simple and easy to make and are naturally sweet, gluten free, and dairy free!

Carrot Cake Protein Cookies from Unbound Wellness

These paleo carrot cake cookies contain collagen peptides for a hit of protein and can be made with almond flour and almond butter. A delicious way to enjoy the flavours of carrot cake in a compact and portable way!

I hope you have enjoyed this lovely list of Healthy Carrot Cake recipes and that you are inspired to make at least one of these delicious and healthier treats! I’d love to know which one you plan to make first, tell me in the comments! Also be sure to pin the photo below to save this recipe roundup for later and of course, share the love!