Carrot Orange Pecan Delight

The following information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness.

Desserts in the raw foods world always provide an interesting exploration. In our Western world, desserts are often consisting of heavily processed foods and when the plunge is taken into the raw food world, most people find it challenging to deviate from fruit salad variations. This dessert is a great way to enjoy actual cake that is not only healthy, but delicious as well!

The main ingredients in this cake are carrots and pecans. Carrots offer a multitude of health benefits. In fact, it is one of those vegetables that just can not do any wrong because just a few carrots per day can offer such a boost in anyone's health, despite their condition. Not only do carrots prevent cancer according to many studies, but they also prevent heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and promote dental health. Most people know as common knowledge that carrots are great for improving vision, however they also nourish skin and offer anti-aging benefits.

Pecans are also an agent that reduces blood pressure, as well as promote prostate health, prevent breast cancer and act as an excellent source of anti-oxidants. No processed dessert can match the health benefits of this treat. Not only is this dessert satisfying to your taste buds, your body will be very satisfied with this choice of treat as well!

Equipment Needed:

• Food Processor
• Dehydrator with Sheets - Exclaibur Recommended

Cake Ingredients:

• Carrots: 4 Medium Sized
• Raw Pecans: 2 Cups
• Raisins: 1/4 of a Cup
• Nutmeg: 1 Tsp.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 1/2 Tsps.
• Dates: 1/2 of a Cup (soft)
• Orange Juice: 1/2 Cup
• Sea Salt: 1/2 of a Tsp.
• Orange Zest: 1/2 of a Tsp.
• Desiccated Coconut: 1/2 of a Cup

Frosting Ingredients:

• Raw Cashews: 1 1/2 Cups
• Water: 1/2 of a Cup
• Raw Honey: 2 Tbsps.
• Coconut Oil: 3 Tbsps.
• Vanilla: 1 Tbsp.
• Sea Salt: 1/4 of a Tsp.
• Nutmeg: 1 Tsp.

Cake Directions:

1. Grate the carrots very finely until you have a total of three cups full of grated carrots.
2. Put the carrots in a large bowl.
3. Pour two cups of pecans in the food processor, grind them up, and put them in the same bowl as the grated carrots.
4. Now, chop up the raisins and add it to the large bowl as well.
5. Next, take the soft dates along with the orange juice, and add it into the food processor. Grind it until it is a nicely smooth paste that we'll call 'date paste'.
6. Add the date paste into the large bowl as the carrots, date paste, and grated carrots.
7. Add the remaining ingredients to the same large bowl and start mixing it all together.
8. Take the mixture and shape it into a one-layered cake (e.g. can be rectangular or circular).
9. Place the one-layered cake onto a dehydrator sheet for at least 8 hours (but no more than 12 hours) to dehydrate. Ensure the temperature is set to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frosting Directions:

1. While the cake is dehydrating, take all of the frosting's ingredients, and blend it in a bowl.
2. Proceed to put the bowl's now blended contents into the refrigerator.
3. When the cake is done setting and the frosting's consistency is just right for you, then spread the frosting on the cake.
4. Take the nutmeg and sprinkle it on the frosting that's on the cake.
5. Cut the cake into slices and enjoy.

Inspiration: The Raw Chef's Carrot Orange Cake