Craving a slice of indulgence without the guilt? This Healthy Red Velvet Cake is the perfect treat! It’s rich, moist, and has that signature deep red hue—all while being made with better-for-you ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a healthier dessert option, this cake is here to impress. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened, made with wholesome ingredients, and still delivers that classic red velvet flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Red Velvet Cake
Nutritious Ingredients: Made with whole-grain flour, natural sweeteners, and Greek yogurt for a wholesome twist.
Lower in Sugar: Sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
Moist & Fluffy: Thanks to Greek yogurt and a hint of apple cider vinegar, this cake stays incredibly soft.
Naturally Colored: No artificial dyes! We use beet puree or natural food coloring for that gorgeous red color.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and no fancy equipment required.
Ingredients in Healthy Red Velvet Cake
Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the cake fluffy.
Cocoa Powder: Just a little for that signature mild chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly.
Beet Puree or Natural Red Food Coloring: Gives the cake its classic red hue.
Greek Yogurt: Keeps the cake moist while adding protein.
Almond Milk (or any milk alternative): Makes the batter smooth and light.
Coconut Oil: A healthier fat alternative that keeps the cake rich and tender.
Maple Syrup or Honey: A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture.
Eggs: Provides structure and stability to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor beautifully.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the beet puree, Greek yogurt, almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Healthy Red Velvet Cake
- With Greek Yogurt Frosting: Mix Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of vanilla for a light and creamy topping.
- With Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic choice—use a reduced-sugar or dairy-free version for a healthier touch.
- With Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries make the perfect garnish.
- As Cupcakes: Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 18 minutes for a fun twist.
Additional Tips
- For a Vegan Version: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use a dairy-free yogurt.
- For Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a bit more maple syrup or honey.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
A1: Yes! All-purpose flour works just as well if you prefer a lighter texture.
Q2: Will I taste the beets in the cake?
A2: Not at all! The cocoa and vanilla mask the beet flavor while keeping the cake moist and naturally colored.
Q3: Can I use another natural sweetener?
A3: Absolutely! Coconut sugar or date syrup also work well.
Q4: How do I make this dairy-free?
A4: Use dairy-free yogurt and almond or coconut milk.
Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes! Wrap the cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q6: What’s the best frosting option for a healthy version?
A6: Greek yogurt frosting or lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting are great choices!
Q7: Can I make this into a single-layer cake?
A7: Yes! Just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
Q8: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
A8: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips add extra texture and flavor.
Q9: What’s the best way to get the red color naturally?
A9: Beet puree is the best option, but you can also use natural red food coloring.
Q10: How can I make this cake extra fluffy?
A10: Make sure to sift your dry ingredients and don’t overmix the batter!
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Red Velvet Cake is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. It’s rich, moist, and naturally sweetened—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a red velvet lover or just looking for a healthier treat, this cake will not disappoint! Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Print
Healthy Red Velvet Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
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2 cups (200g) grated beetroot (about 2 beets)
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1 cup (250g) mashed banana
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 tbsp melted coconut oil
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⅓ cup monk fruit sweetener (or coconut sugar)
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 ½ cups (250g) oat flour
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2 tsp baking powder
Ingredients
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2 cups (200g) grated beetroot (about 2 beets)
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1 cup (250g) mashed banana
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2 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 tbsp melted coconut oil
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1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener (or coconut sugar)
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 1/2 cups (250g) oat flour
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2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
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Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix grated beetroot, mashed banana, eggs, vanilla, and coconut oil until well combined.
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Fold in oat flour, cocoa powder, monk fruit sweetener, and baking powder, stirring until smooth and lump-free.
2. Bake the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
3. Serve & Enjoy:
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Serve as is, or top with Greek yogurt frosting or cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence!
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Notes
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Substitutions:
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Swap monk fruit sweetener for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
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Use cacao powder instead of cocoa powder for a richer taste.
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg