Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preparation 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour in the pan, shaking so the flour adheres to the sides and bottom. Shake out any excess flour. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the egg whites, sugars, applesauce, 1/2 cup milk, the oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla for 1 minute, or until combined. 3. In a medium bowl, stir together the whole-wheat flour, remaining 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and allspice. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg white mixture while beating on medium speed for about 1 minute, or until blended. 4. Stir in the carrots, pineapple with liquid, and raisins. Pour into the pan, lightly smoothing the top. 5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 1 1/2 hours before frosting. 6. In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the frosting ingredients except the pecans for 1 minute, or until smooth. Spread on the cooled cake. Sprinkle with the pecans. Serve the same day for peak flavor and texture. 7. Cover any leftovers and refrigerate for up to three days. Per Serving: With Cream Cheese Frosting Calories 248, Total Fat 3.0 g, Saturated Fat 0.5 g, Trans Fat 0.0 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0 g, Monounsaturated Fat 1.5 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 95 mg, Carbohydrates 53 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugars 35 g, Protein 4 g, Calcium 71 mg, Potassium 195 mg, Dietary Exchanges: 3 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 fat Nutritional analysis provided by American Heart Association Eat Less Salt Per Serving: With Two Tablespoons Confectioners' Sugar Calories 174, Total Fat 1.5 g, Saturated Fat 0.0 g, Trans Fat 0.0 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 77 mg, Carbohydrates 38 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugars 21 g, Protein 4 g, Calcium 64 mg, Potassium 178 mg, Dietary Exchanges: 2 1/2 other carbohydrate Nutritional analysis provided by American Heart Association Eat Less Salt Reprinted with permission from American Heart Association Eat Less Salt: An Easy Action Plan for Finding and Reducing the Sodium Hidden in Your Diet with 60 Heart-Healthy Recipes by the American Health Association. Copyright © 2013 by American Heart Association. Published by Clarkson/Potter Publishers, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Its bestselling library of cookbooks and guides includes American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition; American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook; The New American Heart Association Cookbook, 8th Edition; American Heart Association Quick & Easy Cookbook, 2nd Edition; and American Heart Association Complete Guide to Women's Heart Health. For more information, please visit heart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA (1-800-242-8721).