Description
Sweet scents of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through this heavenly carrot apple cake, promising comfort in every bite. Moist crumbs packed with seasonal warmth welcome friends and family around a dessert that celebrates simple, delightful ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup grated apple
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional and Binding Ingredients:
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel or two 8-inch circular molds with grease and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Craft the dry foundation by whisking flour, leavening agents, aromatic spices, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set this powdery mixture aside for later integration.
- Construct the liquid base by vigorously blending granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Enhance the mixture with a splash of vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Merge the dry and liquid components with gentle strokes, mixing until just combined. Delicately introduce grated carrots, shredded apples, chopped nuts, and optional raisins, folding them into the batter with minimal disruption to maintain a light texture.
- Transfer the completed batter into the prepared baking vessel, smoothing the surface for even distribution. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any clinging batter.
- Allow the cake to rest within its baking mold for 10 minutes, then carefully transition to a wire cooling rack. Let the cake achieve complete temperature equilibrium before proceeding with frosting.
- Whip the cream cheese and butter together until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, beating until the frosting becomes light and airy. Finalize with a hint of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.
- Once the cake has thoroughly cooled, generously apply the cream cheese frosting across the top surface. For layered presentations, extend the frosting to cover the sides completely.
- Present this decadent creation by slicing and serving, inviting others to savor the harmonious blend of sweet and spiced flavors.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar content for a less sweet version, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Enhance nutrition by using whole wheat flour, which adds more fiber and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
- Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for an allergy-friendly alternative that maintains textural crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg