Magic Carrot Cake

This carrot cake is not only the best cake I have ever had, it is also the healthiest! You can't even tell it has no sugar. Made this for my son's first birthday and all the guests raved about it. This is now my go to recipe anytime I need a cake.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Yields: 1 9x13

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon allspice
• 3⁄4 teaspoon sea salt
• 4  ounces butter, softened
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dried dates
• 1  cup  mashed bananas or 2  bananas
• 1⁄2 cup  no-sugar-added applesauce
• 3  cups  grated carrots or 7 -8  medium carrots
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup  plain  Greek yogurt
• 3  tablespoons honey
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)
• 16  ounces cream cheese
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 1⁄2 cup maple syrup
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Butter a 9"x13" pan then sprinkle with flour.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and sea salt. Set aside.
3. Put dates into food processor with 1 tsp water and process into a chunky paste.
4. In a large bowl, mix the dates with melted butter and 2 tsp vanilla. Add mashed bananas and grated carrots. Whisk in eggs one at a time. Add yogurt and honey. Add raisins and walnuts if desired.
5. Fold in flour mixture a third at a time, combining just until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes in preheated oven. Try not to peek too much or take out early or the middle may fall.
7. For Maple & Cream Cheese Frosting: Whisk together cream cheese, 1 tsp vanilla, maple syrup, softened butter, powdered sugar until fluffy and creamy.