Imagine a cake so irresistibly moist and flavorful that it combines the sweet warmth of apples with the earthy richness of carrots, creating a dessert that's both nutritious and absolutely delectable. This Apple and Carrot Cake is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Baking
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup apples, peeled and grated
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, grate the carrots and apples using a box grater. Ensure to peel the apples first and remove any excess moisture by gently pressing with a paper towel.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots and apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost with cream cheese frosting before serving.
Tips
- Moisture is Key: Gently press out excess moisture from grated apples and carrots to prevent a soggy cake.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and depth of flavor.
- Make it Ahead: The cake actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
