Description
Delightful carrot apple cake combines sweet apples and warm spices for a comforting dessert. Moist crumb and cream cheese frosting make this treat irresistible for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups carrots, grated
- 1 cup apple, grated
- 1 cup sugar, granulated
- ½ cup sugar, brown (packed)
- ¾ cup oil, vegetable
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon, ground
- ½ tsp nutmeg, ground
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, unsalted, softened
- 2 cups sugar, powdered
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans with grease and flour to prevent adhesion.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation. Set aside for future integration.
- Wet Mixture Creation: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil. Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation. Infuse with vanilla extract to enhance aromatic complexity.
- Batter Composition: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb. Gently incorporate grated carrots, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and raisins, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
- Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Frosting Preparation: Cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and airy. Finish with a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.
- Cake Finishing: Once completely cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the top and sides of the cake. Slice and serve this indulgent dessert, celebrating the harmonious blend of sweet and spiced notes.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Grate carrots and apples carefully to prevent excess liquid, which can make the cake soggy. Squeeze out extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel for optimal texture.
- Spice Balancing: Adjust ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger proportions to suit personal taste preferences. Start with recommended amounts and experiment gradually.
- Nut Selection: Toast nuts like walnuts or pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy in the batter. Chop them uniformly for even distribution.
- Frosting Consistency: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting. Chill the frosted cake briefly to help the cream cheese set and maintain a clean, crisp appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg