The best low carb carrot cake recipe now comes in miniature! Just in time for your healthy sugar-free Easter celebrations.
So I had a rather strange interaction on Facebook the other day, and it really got me thinking. Someone was upset with me for posting my low carb skillet cookie on The Low Carb Keto Diet Page, because they don’t feel that this diet should include sweets. I explained my philosophy, if you will, that low carb indulgences help me stick to my healthy diet but that everyone needs to do what is right for them. This did not help, apparently, and I was suddenly being accused of hiding behind a fake persona, being paid by large corporations to promote artificial sweeteners. It got very strange very quickly, with many of my wonderful readers jumping in to my defense, and me doing my best to explain. This individual was having none of it and I ended up deleting the thread in order to defuse the situation.
But it really got me thinking, because I like to be as upfront as possible. I don’t hide behind a fake persona and I certainly don’t use artificial sweeteners. I do have a number of brands I work with, and I do my utmost to disclose my relationships very clearly. I am not trying to hide anything; I do actually make money from this blog. Recipe development isn’t cheap, my friends, and turning it into a thriving business has allowed me to do what I love and help support my family. It also allows me to continue to provide solid low carb and keto recipes to my readers free of charge. I see that as a win-win.
Swerve Sweetener is one of my brand relationships, and it’s one I cherish very much, because it developed organically out of mutual admiration and respect. I like to say we “grew up together”. Back when I was a wee blogger making a few measly cents and Swerve was a wee sweetener company trying to make a name for itself, we somehow connected over Twitter. They sent me some samples and it was an instant hit for me. It was the one erythritol-based sweetener that did not give me the cooling mouth sensation and it provided the right sweetness and the right consistency for my baked goodes. I liked it so much that I started telling everyone about it and I became something of an unofficial (and unpaid) spokesperson. My blog and Swerve seemed to take off at the same time, both of them becoming great resources for the low carb community. So when Swerve found itself in a position to pay for recipe development, I was their first choice. It’s a small operation, and they are wonderful people doing wonderful work. And it’s delightful to me that they think my work is wonderful too. It’s just as a true brand partnership should be.
So yes, Swerve does pay me for several recipes per month, one of which gets a “teaser” post here to direct you to the recipe that lives on their site. But when I recommend it to people as the best low carb sugar replacement on the market, that isn’t money talking. That’s me, my true feelings. No hiding, no faking. Nothing artificial here.
And now, just in time for Easter…for all you low carb carrot cake lovers!
Please see my Low Carb Mini Carrot Cake Recipe on Swerve Sweetener
And check out my blog post HERE.
Serves 4. Per serving:
Food energy: 244kcal
Total fat: 21.93g
Calories from fat: 197
Cholesterol: 46mg
Carbohydrate: 4.95g
Total dietary fiber: 1.81g
Protein: 5.45g
Erythritol: 17.5g
Mel Ramos says
When I read this post I knew I had to get in here and say “ditto” to Christina Smith’s declaration that “you and your recipes rock.” And I’m a tough customer, having been a scratch baker for over 30 years and having cooked for a living. As well as finding most of the blah blah blah on food blogs almost impossible to get through. But you are in a class of your own, at least in my experience. You bring good taste, strong skills, integrity and charm to a profession saturated with folks who are often short on at least one of these traits and often more than one. Last year your baked goods made it possible for my 93-year old mom and me to stop eating wheat and sugar without running out of yummy treats to keep us on track with blood sugar-friendly low carb eating, We’ve lost a combined 45 lbs and are both much healthier. Your site is the first place I look when I need a recipe. I am deeply grateful for what you do and how you do it because it has had a significant impact on my health and my mom’s. Sending you a big virtual hug of thanks before heading into the kitchen to make your carrot cake for Easter.
Carolyn says
Oh Mel. Can I frame this??? <3 <3 <3
Diane Gaus says
Please keep helping all of us. I bought your Christmas cookie book and made quite a few with my sister. We loved them all. Like most poly-alls-too much Swerve doesn’t agree with me, but your recipes are “right on”.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Diane!
Beverly says
Carolyn, there are negative people everywhere and even those like you who help with best intents get slammed. Please keep doing what you are doing. I appreciate all your recipes and tips! They help me so very much.
Regina says
I am so grateful for all your great recipes. It has kept me on track with maintaining a lchf diet and controlling my type 2 diabetes. I don’t know why people have to be so mean. You do so much good for your followers with healthier recipes and I for one, thank you!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Regina!
Donna Hill says
I can’t find swerve granular only confectioners, can I use Monk Fruit instead?
Carolyn says
Probably but what brand is it?
Marv says
Carolyn,
Without your hard work my A1C would still be 7.something. Last test was 5.3! (You and WheatBelly…)
I hope you make good money from this blog, you certainly earn it. I gladly buy all of your books like a crazed fan-maniac. Happy to support!
–Marv
Carolyn says
Thanks, Marv!
Kate says
Wow Marv’ I would love to get my AIC below 6. How many carbs did you eat a day to get that spectacular result and how do you exercise?
Marv says
It was easy, mostly because I love to cook.
I really don’t exercise regularly, although it would obviously help. I shoot for 15 net grams carbs max per meal (6-hour digestive period) per WheatBelly program. It’s easy when you skip wheat and grain products and eat with a knife and fork instead of your fingers.
As you know, there’s an overwhelming cornucopia of alternatives right here…
Amy says
My 3-year-old just climbed on my lap and started chatting it up before I could start reading your post. He saw your picture and asked, “Who’s that mama?” I told him, “Carolyn is a lady who writes yummy recipes. She helped keep you and your brother healthy when you lived in my tummy (because I had gestational diabetes and needed to eat very low carb).” And I’m still following you because I want to keep eating in a way that’s healthy for me so I can be around for them. I’m sorry about that troll- they don’t understand all of the many ways you help all sorts of people.
Carolyn says
Oh, that is the sweetest! Thank you! <3
Carol McRee says
I love your blog and your recipes. However swerve is not the sugar replacement I hoped for when I started going low carb. I have found that I don’t like the cooling sensation and the GI upset. Mine is minimal but it really affects my hubby. So bye-bye to swerve! I like Truvia and Truvia baking blends. Lesson learned- try for yourself and use the sweeter that works best for you!
Carolyn says
I agree absolutely. I get zero cooling sensation or tummy upset from Swerve but everyone has a different palate.
Carrie says
I wonder if your palate adjusts. I used to notice a cooling sensation with Swerve, but don’t anymore. That won’t help tummy troubles though!
nicole says
Haters gonna be haters. Your website is my go to for making sweets which I don’t make all that often because of time issues and because one recipe of brownies lasts me a long time, but also for all of your other recipes! You rock and swerve rocks! Keep up the great work!
Mary says
Hi Carolyn sad to hear that the “haters” and perpetually offended have been trolling you on FB. You did the right thing just deleting the negative rubbish. There is absolutely no reason on Gods earth that we following a healthy eating plan should be deprived of something that we enjoy and no one is forcing anyone to eat sweet things, just as there is no reason I can think of why you shouldn’t receive payment for an arrangement that benefits everyone and helps you to be able to keep up the good work. Go Carolyn 🙂
Erin says
Sweets were the one thing I was really missing on my low carb diet. I discovered your blog and Swerve and found I can eat sweets and still lose weight. I’m so grateful for your wonderful blog and recipes! I’m so sorry that person was so unkind to you!
Joan Springer says
Your recipes have fueled a whole lifestyle change for me. While I am not diabetic I have a very reactive response to sugar and other carbs. I am so glad you get some compensation for the wonderful, creative services you provide. I was grateful you connected me to serve, it makes it so easy to eat healthier. Know that you are appreciated.
Carolyn says
Thanks, Joan!
Sharon jessup says
Carolyn I’m a 74 yr old woman that’s tried everything to lose weight your receipes have kept me on this low carb plan. I think your blog is fun and the best receipes are easy and excellent there are always haters I’ve learned to ignore them keep up the good work love your site and thanks for the great food!!!
PS I’ve lost over 25 lbs
Carolyn says
Thank you, Sharon!
Dale says
Oh Jeez – wasn’t paying attention – it’s gnu gnus! HaHa!
Dale says
This is sort of old news (April) but I understand your frustration – it is nearly impossible to come out on the upper hand in a discussion with an idiot – and they are the ones hiding with complete anonymity on the internet.
Anyway, love receiving your recipes. There is no shortage of people offering to send recipes out but who has the time to read them all . Besides, think you are a Canadian girl eh?
Just a note on Swerve – decided to google sales locations in the Interior BC as I had never seen it in local stores – found that it is available in a health food store here. I guess that is because they are a growing company. Stevia in the Raw seems to be the popular sweetener here – imagine they are very similar but don’t know. Anyway, the Stevia works fine for me – will probably try to pick up the swerve when I am in that neighbourhood.
Dale says
Oh Jeez – wasn’t paying attention – it’s gnu gnus! HaHa!
Carolyn says
Yep, Canuck here! Swerve has made some pretty good inroads into Canada so that’s good. But glad you like the stevia.
Res says
Echoing what others say about trolls – ignore ’em! Being in Canada, I would not have found Swerve without you, and I don’t think I would have been able to stay on this eating plan without it. I’ve tried the other (sometimes cheaper) alternatives available here, and they just aren’t the same.
And your recipes are amazing and I’m so very happy you make something from them in a way that allows me to still benefit from them. I’m glad Swerve is recognizing how key you are to their brand.
Thank you for everything you do – you are a lifesaver!
Res says
PS I have now found Swerve at several locations in Canada – hooray!
Carolyn says
I am so glad that Swerve has such a Canadian distribution. Helps my sister because she loves it too (in BC).
Res says
I’m in BC, too, and have found it in Surrey (grocery store listed on Swerve’s site) and here in Kits (Choices). Previously I was ordering on Amazon and having it shipped to Point Roberts, but that was a pain. Hopefully your sister can find it here, too.
Res says
PS As a BCer of probably similar age to you, I grew up on Nanaimo bars as my favourite holiday treat (Mom only made them at Christmas), and your Nanaimo bar recipe from your holiday cookies ebook that I bought a few months ago was one of the “saved my life” recipes. Since you’ve proven I can have Nanaimo bars on this eating plan, everything is sunshine and coloured bubbles. 🙂
Carolyn says
And puppies and unicorns!
Pamela says
First of all, I have so much appreciation for your blog and your creative artistry in coming up with tasty and gorgeously appealing low carb sugarfree recipes. I tell other diabetics, like myself, and people who are just trying to lower carbs and/or delete sugar from their diet to check out your blog. The fact that your recipes use Swerve is just fine with me since that’s one of my preferred sweeteners as well. I especially like the fact that they offer the confectioner’s blend so that I no longer have to grind up granulated erythritol (I know, so lazy of me). And now that they’ve gone more mainstream and I can get it from some regular grocery stores without having to order it online makes it even better.
With regard to your collaboration with Swerve, I hope you’re not “wounded” or taking to heed the inane/insane comments of some off-kilter poser poster. I was actually glad when I found out that you were able to get some remuneration for all the delectable recipes you come up with. Okay, maybe it wasn’t purely altruistic of me because in the back of my mind I was worried that your generosity in providing free and yummy recipes to greedy people like me might eventually cause you to shut down your blog and go to work for some crass commercial enterprise So if Swerve is paying you for your considerable talents I say YAY for you, YAY for them, and YAY YAY for me! As for the mean-spirited comments from others, it never ceases to amaze me that Facebook and similar forums seem to sometimes bring out the worst in people because they assume relative anonymity gives them the right to spew their toxic thoughts and words as they please to the detriment of others. I say don’t entertain them or feed them with the attention they crave. Once you’ve determined that they are unreasonable and only intent on demeaning and devaluing the contributions and opinions of others, do what you need to do to disregard and block them. This, in turn, will deny them their “platform” and the warped pleasure they get from denigrating others. Meanwhile, KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK! THANKS!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Pamela. I am actually not wounded at all, nor was I at the time. But what it did do was give me an opportunity to talk to people about why bloggers take on sponsors and what a really good brand/blogger relationship should be like. My relationship with Swerve is probably more the exception than the rule because it’s not very commercial or monetarily driven but it evolved organically out of mutual respect.
Amy DeMoss says
Love your recipes. Thanks for making them available for FREE, also. I plan to ask for your cookbook for Christmas. Please, keep doing what you do!
Carolyn says
Thank you, Amy!
Mary Schrantz says
You may get some ideas from this Raw Carrot Cake. The frosting is amazing
CARROT CAKE
therawchef.com
3 c finely grated carrots
2 c pecans
⅜ c raisins, roughly chopped
⅜ t ground cloves
⅜ t grated nutmeg
⅜ t powdered ginger
⅜ t ground cinnamon
1 c soft, pitted dates
½ c orange juice
½ t salt
½ t orange zest
½ c desiccated coconut
In the food processor, grind the pecans to a “meal.” Scrape into large bowl. In the food processor (don’t clean it), make a paste of the dates and orange juice, scrape into the bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. On a piece of wax paper, shape into a flat square cake, or individual cakes (I use 3” rings, form and remove ring). Dehydrate at 115° F for 8 to 12 hours. If you don’t have a dehydrator, place in refrigerator to set. Frost with KREEM CHEEZ FROSTING.
KREEM CHEEZ FROSTING
therawchef.com
1 ½ c cashews, soaked 6 hours, drained
2 T agave
3 T coconut oil, room temperature
1 T vanilla
¼ t salt
Blend all ingredients together with just enough water to make it blend. Place in refrigerator to thicken. Frost cakes just before serving.
Anna says
I have been following since 2011 and I am super grateful for your blog. I am in one FB keto group and very familiar with the “no sweeteners” stance. I get where it’s coming from, but I am totally different. Not overweight, not an emotional eater or sugar addict. Your recipes that you offer completely free of charge have made low carb not just bearable but enjoyable for me. I can’t get Swerve where I live but I use other sweeteners, and I am more than happy to let Swerve pay you for your hard work and talent so that you can keep gifting us your recipes!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Anna!
Tory says
You know, if one looks at low carb/keto as a long term ‘way of eating’ rather than as a short term ‘diet’, which I do, life is going to throw a wide variety of situations our way: holidays, dinners with friends, kids’ parties, pot lucks, house guests, family reunions, ‘we made it though the week’ celebrations, and many more. And if participating in and contributing to these events makes life more full, then what better way than to do so than without derailing your healthy lifestyle?
Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing your creative and delicious recipes; the best out there, I believe. I’ve learned a huge amount from you even about adapting some of our old family favorites! Your site is clean and elegant, always straightforward about partnerships. And affiliations are with reputable companies.
And if any of us chooses to incorporate a baked good in our way of eating, let it be our own responsibility!
PS Can’t wait for your cookbook! 🙂
Carolyn says
Thank you, Tory!