Description
Carrot apple cake brings together sweet autumn flavors in a delightful dessert that celebrates seasonal produce. Moist crumb and warm spices create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spices and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel or two 9-inch circular pans with grease and flour, ensuring complete coverage.
- Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, leavening agents, salt, and warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) until uniformly blended in a medium mixing bowl.
- Create a wet mixture by vigorously combining granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil until smooth and integrated. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly incorporating after each addition.
- Enhance the batter with grated carrots, chopped apples, and vanilla extract, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet components, mixing gently to maintain batter integrity. Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into prepared pan(s), spreading evenly to ensure consistent depth. Bake for 30-35 minutes in rectangular pan or 25-30 minutes in round pans, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transition to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
- Whip cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform. Progressively add powdered sugar, beating thoroughly between additions. Introduce vanilla extract and adjust consistency with milk if necessary.
- Apply frosting generously across the fully cooled cake surface. Optional: Embellish with additional chopped nuts or a delicate cinnamon dusting for visual and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Opt for freshly grated carrots to ensure maximum moisture and natural sweetness in the cake.
- Grate apples and carrots with a box grater to maintain their texture and prevent excess water release.
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better ingredient incorporation.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake texture; mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 162 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg