Heavenly Carrot Apple Cake

This Heavenly Carrot Apple Cake is a delightful fusion of sweet apples and spicy carrots, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
  2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Incorporate Carrots and Apples: Stir in the grated carrots, chopped apples, and vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients:

  1. Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using.

Bake:

  1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 25-30 minutes (for 9-inch round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool:

  1. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Frosting:

  1. Beat Frosting Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  3. Adjust Consistency: Stir in the vanilla extract and adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Frost and Serve:

  1. Frost Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

  • Additions: For a unique twist, consider adding a handful of raisins or coconut to the batter.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

10 FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of apple?
    Yes, use any firm, tart apple for best results.
  2. How can I make this cake ahead of time?
    Bake and frost the cake a day or two in advance, and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
  3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
    Yes, but it may result in a denser cake.
  4. What can I use instead of walnuts or pecans?
    Chopped almonds or sunflower seeds are good alternatives.
  5. How do I ensure my cake is moist?
    Don’t overmix the batter and avoid overbaking.
  6. Can I freeze this cake?
    Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
  7. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
    You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute.
  8. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
    Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  9. Can I add frosting between the cake layers?
    Yes, if using round pans, you can frost between layers for a more indulgent treat.
  10. What’s the best way to slice the cake?
    Use a serrated knife to ensure clean slices.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Carrot Apple Cake combines the best of sweet apples and spicy carrots with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it a delightful and versatile dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite at your gatherings!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Heavenly Carrot Apple Cake


  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Description

This Heavenly Carrot Apple Cake is a delightful blend of sweet apples and spicy carrots, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple, peeled)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Stir in the grated carrots, chopped apples, and vanilla extract.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
  • Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 25-30 minutes (for 9-inch round pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool:
    • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
    • Stir in the vanilla extract and adjust the consistency with milk if needed.
  • Frost and Serve:
    • Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
    • Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Notes

  • For added flavor and texture, consider mixing in raisins or shredded coconut.
  • If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating