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
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.
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Just to let you know that I made the Mini Carrot Cake to take to my grandson’s 1st birthday celebration today. My husband and I follow Keto and did not want to be tempted with regular birthday cake. The Mini Carrot Cake was absolutely the most delicious low carb dessert I have ever had! Not only was it so tasty it looked wonderful too! Thanks Carolyn for you amazing recipes and beautiful web site!
So glad it hit the spot!
I guess’ it takes all kinds” and everyone has there own opinion BUT – You and your site are a God send to so many people for so many reasons. I thank you for all you do and share and I certainly hope you continue! ‘They” can just look away. (Cant wait for your cookbook!!! )
Hi Carolyn
I am a mum of a 3 year old who has just been put on a ketogenic diet for medical reasons and will be on it for the rest of her life. I wanted to say a massive thank you because I have been really at a loss in terms of what would be kid friendly and also how to get enough fat into her meals when she really hates double cream! your site has been a massive ray of hope so thank you.
I too have seen comments along the lines of ‘if your on low carb you shouldn’t have sweet things’ which has really touched a nerve with me. This diet is used as a medical treatment for so many little ones and for them it not a choice. I really don’t want our little one to ever feel like she’s missing out and sweet treats are such a part of that. thank you for the delicious looking recipes both sweet and savoury! having been very intimated 5 days ago I now feel a little more like I might be able to balance her needs with the needs of the rest of the family.
Keep going I look forward to more delicious recipes.
I am delighted you have found ways to cook and bake for your daughter.
This recipe is fabulous!! I made it for my birthday cake! Even my carb loving family thought it tasted “real”.
Of course! it was the only REAL cake in the house! Thanks for another great recipe!
So glad you liked it!
Hi Carolyn, I have to add my 2 cents. I think it is terrible that people have to be so petty and it’s awful that you have to explain yourself but it shows how lovely of a person you are that you would. I admire you for being so lucky to have found something you love to do (and that you get to be paid for doing it!). Many people go to jobs day after day that they hate. 😉 You also produce many great recipes which are well-explained and which have easy to find ingredients. I have experimented with a few recommended sweeteners, but I would have to honestly say Swerve would be a close 2nd choice to the monk fruit sweetener in my opinion. As good as Swerve is, the monk fruit was still slightly better. I am very picky when it comes to my sweets. 😉 Since starting my keto journey, you have been my main source of delicious meals that have kept me on track and have made it a success so far. P.S. My husband has shed 30 lbs in 10 weeks! I am down 10 lbs with your help. So, thank you Carolyn. 🙂
Wonderful! Congrats on your weight loss.
Could I make this recipe in a small wilton layer pan? They’re about 6 inches wide. Or maybe as cupcakes?
I would do two layers in the 6 inch pan instead of 3 in the 4 inch ramekins. Should work out great!
Thank you for your open and honest disclosure Carolyn. I live in Australia and use Natvia wherever I see Swerve listed. Your recipes are out of this world and because of them I don’t view my choices as limited or as if I missing out. I so appreciate all the effort you put in to share your superb creative streak with us all. A win-win doesn’t come close to describing how I feel about stumbling across your blog and recipes. I feel I am the lucky one able to eat such amazing things and know they are a zillion times healthier for my body than traditional recipes.
Thank you so much!
I love swerve, it’s the only sweetener I use due to insulin spikes and I have insulin resistance. I love your blog and recipes, thank you for all the work you do!! 🙂
as far as the facebook person that disputed and argued w/ you……..meh……….just a little “blackhead” on the road of life. Keep on keeping on……….. you do great!!
A blessed Easter to you too!!
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.
Oh Mel. Can I frame this??? <3 <3 <3
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”.
Thanks, Diane!
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.
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!
Thanks, Regina!
I can’t find swerve granular only confectioners, can I use Monk Fruit instead?
Probably but what brand is it?
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
Thanks, Marv!
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?
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…
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.
Oh, that is the sweetest! Thank you! <3
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!
I agree absolutely. I get zero cooling sensation or tummy upset from Swerve but everyone has a different palate.
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!