
Happy New Year everyone! Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I had a really awful cold for the first 10 days of 2012 and couldn’t smell or cook a thing. But I’m feeling better now and back to work!
You may notice that the photos on this post are unlike all the previous ones. I try to challenge myself to do something new in each post. Usually that means trying out a unique lighting technique or camera trick but this time it meant doing something really different. I’ve been told, a lot, that I should include more about myself on the blog. So, I thought I’d give it a try – here are a few pictures of mornings in my apartment.
A big thanks to Roy for letting me stick the camera in his face all morning. =)

I’m weird about breakfast. It’s not that I don’t like it, I’m just picky about what I will eat first thing in the morning. Here is the criteria:
- Something kinda decadent. Sweet and comforting.
- Not unhealthy. I don’t want to start the day off all wrong.
- Not heavy. I don’t want to feel gross for the rest of the day.
- Will keep me full for awhile.
- Super easy to make. I’m lazy first thing in the morning.
- Super fast to make. I’ve got things to do.

What I’ve got here is a recipe for single serving carrot cake that literally takes 2-3 minutes to make in the morning. It’s ridiculously good! If you make anything from my site, make this. Seriously.
The ice cream is made out of bananas so it is super healthy. You will want to start making a big batch of it 24 hours in advance. Don’t be scared. It’s not labour intensive, it just takes awhile to freeze. This recipe for banana ice cream will be enough for 6-9 servings of Breakfast Carrot Cake. If you only want ice cream for one serving, make the banana ice cream with just 1 banana, 1/16 tsp of vanilla, and a very small pinch of salt. The recipe for banana ice cream is all over the internet so I’m certainly not claiming to be the one who came up with it! It is a vegan staple at this point. Saying I came up with it would be like saying I came up with the recipe for grilled tofu.

Banana Ice Cream Ingredients
- 1 bundle of very, very ripe bananas. The peel should be going brown!
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 very small pinch of salt
Banana Ice Cream Directions
- Peel the banans, chop them into small chunks, and stick them in the freezer until they are almost frozen (it is fine if they are completely frozen, just take them out of the freezer and let them defrost for about 10 minutes before doing the next step).
- Put the bananas, salt, and vanilla in the food processor and process until the banana mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it freeze again.
- Once the banana mixture is frozen, use an ice cream scoop to make balls somewhere between the size of a golfball and a tennis ball. Hacky sack size, maybe?
- You can store the ice cream scoops in individual containers such as cupcake liners or lined up on a baking sheet. Keep them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.

Ingredients for the Carrot Cake
- 3 Tbs flour (experiment with different kinds, I’ve used spelt and AP)
- 2 Tsp sugar
- 1 packet stevia (optional but cake will not be very sweet without it)
- 1/4 Tsp baking powder
- 1/8 Tsp salt
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 Tsp Nutmeg
- 1/8 Tsp Ginger
- 1/8 Tsp Cloves
- 1 Tsp shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 Tbs Oil (I used coconut)
- 3 Tbs milk (I used almond)
- 1/4 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 Cup shredded carrots
- 1 Tsp Raisins (optional)
*Note that the spices can be switched out for 2 Tsp of allspice.
Directions For Carrot Cake
- Do this step the night before. Put all the dry ingredients together in their own medium-sized bowl (flour, sugar, stevia, baking powder, salt, spices, and coconut), all the wet ingredients together in their own small bowl (oil, milk, and vanilla), and the shredded carrots and raisins together in their own small bowl. Stick all the bowls in the refrigerator over night.
- Do the remaining steps in the morning. Take one scoop of the banana ice cream and the carrot cake mise en place bowls out of the fridge.
- Pour the wet ingredients and the carrot/raisin mix into the medium-sized dry ingredient bowl. Stir till combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a small bowl or a mug.
- Microwave for 2 mintes.
- Place the banana ice cream on top of carrot cake, sprinkle with cinnamon, and eat.
*Note that microwaving times may vary. The cake should be firm to the touch. Microwave 30-60 seconds longer if need be.
For the people that care (I know a lot of people are watching what they eat after the holidays), the cake- with the coconut, raisins, and ice cream- is 350 cals. For fewer calories, try replacing the oil with applesauce.
This recipe was adapted from and inspired by this one.






























bhavani - What a lovely idea! Looks incredibly delicious so I just might have to make this soon. Thanks for sharing and you have a beautiful site. b
weekend link party! | The Dinner Party Association - [...] life would be complete if someone made me this breakfast [...]
Friday Link Love: What to do with your 3 day weekend | Vylette - [...] up this delicious 2 minute breakfast carrot cake with banana ice cream (can easily be [...]
Sofia - This looks delicious, I like how no oven is involved either, makes everything so much easier.
One Ingredient Banana Ice Cream | Octavia and Vicky - [...] Cake, which was actually delicious – and who needs an excuse to eat cake for breakfast? The original recipe was served with a banana ice cream made with nothing more than frozen, ripe bananas. Well, you [...]
Radhika Sarohia - I have to go grocery shopping but right now I have carrots and a little bit of coconut flour here…I will have to try this, it looks good and I love carrot cake :)
Lovely photos by the way!
Jessica Caneal - Can you taste the stevia in this cake? I actually don’t like the taste of stevia at all.
Sara - LOVE LOVE LOVE the photography!! Just kinda wondering what wood piece you used as the backdrop…is it real wood? I LOVE the look of the white distressed wood…so cool. Maybe I’m not allowed to ask such questions but I’ll take a chance anyway!
Hello Fall Foods - [...] 3 // Two Minute Carrot Cake à La Mode [...]
Hello Fall Foods « A Thousand Threads - [...] 3 // Two Minute Carrot Cake à La Mode [...]
indi jane - Any cooking suggestions for those trying to avoid using microwaves? I know that takes away from the ‘two minute’ aspect of this recipe….but any thoughts would be much appreciated. thank you!
jane - And what if you don’t have a microwave? Hints for the traditionalists? Time and temp ideas, please? Thanks. Sounds YUMmy!
Five Minute Carrot Mug Cake - We Heart Life - [...] to use up some carrots and also eat a hot breakfast. Google came to the rescue with this surprising Two Minute Breakfast Carrot Cake. Breakfast? Cake? [...]
Five Minute Carrot Mug Cake | Octavia and Vicky - [...] to use up some carrots and also eat a hot breakfast. Google came to the rescue with this surprising Two Minute Breakfast Carrot Cake. Breakfast? Cake? [...]
Inspiration « Linn Lundholm - [...] 1 SAIPUA, 2 Marie Antoinette, 3 VK. REES, 4 Mokkasin 5 Park & Cube 6 Mokkasin 7 Garance [...]
crispin korschen - This is fabulous……it looks so decadent and as if it would take a long time to make…….but it’s all so good for you and easy….thank you………just discovered your blog by the way and posted about you on my blog…..hope you don’t mind……kind regards Crispin
kathy marciante - You images are dreamy!! I love the relaxed casual feel that make the viewer feel like you are right at home baking. Awesome blog – love the food images and can’t wait to see more.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com - A very creative recipe — and the photos are amazing!!!
Rhubarb juice, sans blending or squeezing « Two Spoons - [...] Two minute breakfast carrot cake @ V. K. Rees Photography [...]
Two Minute Coconut Cake » V.K.Rees Photography - [...] in your mouth. At one point I said that if you ever make anything from this site it should be the two minute carrot cake; now I’m gonna have to say it should be this. I eat it for breakfast. [...]
Cookie and Kate - I’ve had my doubts about the individual breakfast bakes I’ve seen floating around the internet, but I am absolutely sold on this carrot cake. Must try it soon. I tried making banana ice cream before and wasn’t crazy about it, but I think I should give it another try, as creamy banana smoothies have been satisfying my sweet tooth lately.
EyePonder » Blog Archive » Carrot Cake with Banana Ice Cream - [...] 1 very small pinch of salt Click Here for full recipe post! [...]
Alex - Great photography! these recipes look delicioussssss. More please!
Russell van Kraayenburg - Gorgeous! I love the human touch in this post. It is both delightful and intimidating to see you are just as good shooting people as your are shooting food ; ).
What a pair of recipes too. And I like your breakfast rules! Yum.
Ashley - Wow! I’m so very glad you commented on my blog today. Your photos are nothing short of amazing. Can’t wait to check out your site a LOT more. :) Have a great day!
Kelsey - Your photography is so beautiful and inspiring! Just checked out your blog for the first time yesterday and I’ve already begun prop-hunting for food photo shoots! Your work reminds me of another source I love: http://somekitchenstories.com/ Check it out if you haven’t seen it :)
Anyway I can’t wait to try this recipe out.. Thanks for being inspiring!
Kulsum@journeykitchen - Your kitchen is so very sexy! Not sure what a sexy kitchen means but that’s all I can say. I’m glad I’m not the only one, all your breakfast habits are ditto like me!
Nicole Franzen - Lovely shots! Great feel :)
Jeanette - Your photography is stunning and I love how you shared your morning. As for the carrot cake and ice cream for breakfast, why now, especially when the ice cream is made purely with bananas ;)!
Jeanette - Your photography is stunning and I love how you shared your morning. As for carrot cake and ice cream for breakfast, why not, especially when the ice cream is made purely with bananas!
rachel - this is so dreamy! i just love it.
Ashlae - And to think I thought I was taking a stance when I moved into my new apartment and declared I wouldn’t ever need a microwave. Boy, am I kicking myself in the teeth. Need. Microwave. Now. Beautiful shots, Vanessa!
Katie - I made this to use with my homemade cream cheese and it’s unfairly addictive. Thanks for the great recipe, I adore your blog! Here’s my blog with the picture of your cake: http://sojournerfood.blogspot.com/2012/01/homemade-yogurt-and-cream-cheese.html
Ruby Smith - I’m exactly the same way about my breakfasts, which is why this cake looks perfect! Thanks for the recipe!
Kristen - I think this is my fave series of photos from you yet. I love the mood, the styling, the story… everything. Mad props to you!!
vkrees - Thanks Lauren! I use Lightroom (with the VSCO Film plugin) and Photoshop. I hope that answers your question!
Lauren - Thank you! I’m going to make this! Also, I’m an aspiring photographer and I am in love with your style. Would you mind sharing what you use to edit your photos?
Jes - Glad you’re feeling better! The microwave carrot cake is genius–and I have two super ripe bananas waiting to be transformed. Looks like banana ice cream it is. Love the lighting on the photos too, very wintery yet cozy as well.
Bex - Genius carrot cake and beautiful photos!
Farwin - Love this post,Vanessa! Bringing out the photos with a more personal touch is surely a beautiful thing,IMHO.
kathrin - such beautiful pictures <3
Denise - Thank you for sharing with us your lovely place and loves of your life (kittie too!). Fantastic post!
Evan Thomas - I sincerely think the world would be a happier place if more people woke up to carrot cake.
Sanda - Thanks for sharing your life space here,your kitchen looks great!!!
Emilia - This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try and make it soon, I love how quick the cake is, perfect for my busy mornings.
Laura - Cake for breakfast! You are a hero. And your cat is adorable.
Fanny - Lovely post, as always. I like how you challenge yourself, it’s noticeable even when it’s a subtle thing, as well as major things like in this post. You truly are an amazing photographer.
Lynn - Great post! Love the personal photos and I can’t wait to try the recipe! :) Thanks!
Nora - What a great recipe and an even lovelier post. The photos are beautiful! You did a great job with including yourself more. They all have a very personal feel to them. It’s wonderful :)