Healthy Carrot Cake

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
• 1 cup oat flour (you can either grind oats or buy oat flour)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or mild olive oil)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs together with the melted coconut oil, honey (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the carrots and nuts: Stir in the grated carrots into the wet mixture, then add the chopped walnuts or almonds (if using). Mix well.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or hand whisk until everything is fully incorporated. The batter will be quite thick.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the frosting: If you want to add frosting, beat the cream cheese with honey and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy a moist, delicious cake!