Apple carrot cake recipe is a moist, spiced cake made with grated carrots, fresh apple, coconut, and walnuts. This delicious apple carrot cake recipe combines natural sweetness from apple and brown sugar with warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom flavors.
I made this apple carrot cake recipe after seeing a similar version online that looked rich and flavorful, inspiring me to try it at home.
The main specialty of this apple carrot cake recipe is the balance of textures and spices, enhanced by a smooth cream cheese frosting. I will now show step-by-step how to make this apple carrot cake recipe.
Healthy Apple Carrot Cake Recipe
This apple carrot cake recipe delivers a naturally sweet and spiced flavor, blending the earthy taste of grated carrots with the juicy freshness of apple.
Warm notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom enhance the overall richness, while toasted walnuts add a pleasant crunch. The cake remains moist and tender, complemented by creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting.
Beyond taste, this apple carrot cake recipe is healthier than many desserts, as it includes fresh fruits, nuts, and olive oil, providing fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing treat for any occasion.
How To Prepare Apple Carrot Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Large mixing bowls
- Grater for carrots and apple
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch or similar cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups self-raising flour
- 3 cups coarsely grated carrot
- 2/3 cup desiccated coconut
- 1½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup coarsely grated apple
- 1 cup roasted walnuts, chopped coarsely
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (brick-style)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides so the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine self-raising flour, brown sugar, desiccated coconut, ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the spices are evenly spread.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the olive oil and mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg and oil mixture. Stir gently until the batter comes together.
5. Add Carrots, Apple, and Nuts
Fold in the grated carrot, grated apple, and chopped walnuts until they are evenly incorporated into the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Frosting and Assemble
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Apple Carrot Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this apple carrot cake recipe because it combines rich, natural sweetness from apples and carrots with warm, comforting spices that create a deep, layered flavor.
The texture is moist and tender, with a satisfying crunch from walnuts and a creamy, smooth finish from the cream cheese frosting.
Apple carrot cake recipe a wholesome dessert that feels indulgent while including nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit, nuts, and olive oil.
Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this cake always makes a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a cozy homemade treat.
Why My Recipe Works
My apple apple carrot cake recipe works because the balance of wet and dry ingredients keeps the cake moist without being dense.
The combination of grated carrots and apple adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the olive oil ensures a tender texture.
The warming spices cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom enhance flavor without overpowering the fruit. Toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and contrast.
The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, slightly tangy layer that complements the spiced cake perfectly. Each step is designed to blend flavors evenly, resulting in a consistently delicious, well-structured cake.
Health Benefits
Apple carrot cake offers several nutritional advantages compared to typical desserts. Carrots provide beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye health and digestion. Apples add natural sweetness, vitamin C, and additional fiber, promoting heart health.
Walnuts supply healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for brain and heart function. Using olive oil instead of butter adds monounsaturated fats, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Even with sugar and frosting, this cake includes nutrient-rich ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals, and energy, making it a slightly healthier choice for a sweet treat without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this apple carrot cake recipe slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Cut into generous slices and pair with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or spiced chai to enhance the warm flavors of cinnamon and ginger.
Garnish with extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on the frosting for an elegant presentation.
You can also serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. This cake works well as a dessert, for brunch, or as a special treat during celebrations.
Best Variations Of Apple Carrot Cake Recipe
➢ Pineapple Apple Carrot Cake – Add crushed pineapple along with the apple and carrot to make the cake extra moist and give a subtle tropical flavor.
➢ Cranberry Walnut Apple Carrot Cake – Mix in dried cranberries and extra walnuts for a tangy, crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of apple and carrot.
➢ Spiced Orange Apple Carrot Cake – Add fresh orange zest and a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
➢ Chocolate Chip Apple Carrot Cake – Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips to add sweetness and create a dessert-style cake.
➢ Gluten-Free Apple Carrot Cake – Replace self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without losing flavor or texture.
Professional Baking Tips
1. Use a coarse grater for both carrots and apple so they cook evenly and add moisture without making the batter too wet.
2. Roast walnuts lightly in the oven or on a pan before adding them to the batter. This brings out their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
3. Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the cake has the right texture. Too much flour can make it dry.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until blended. Over-mixing can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.
5. Preheat the oven fully before baking. Use an oven thermometer if possible, as incorrect temperature can affect rising and baking time.
6. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid over baking.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack before spreading cream cheese frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt it and make it runny.
Additions For Extra Delicious Ideas
➤ Dried Fruits: Incorporating dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, or chopped dried apricots adds natural sweetness and chewy texture. They enhance the flavor profile and create little pockets of fruity bursts in every bite.
➤ Toasted Nuts: Adding pecans, almonds, or extra walnuts gives the cake a satisfying crunch and a deeper, roasted nutty aroma. Toasting the nuts intensifies their flavor and complements the spices in the cake.
➤ Spice Boost: A pinch of cloves, allspice, or even a small amount of star anise can elevate the aromatic quality of the cake, giving it a more complex and warming flavor.
➤ Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirling some cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking creates a creamy, slightly tangy marbled center that adds visual appeal and a rich taste contrast.
➤ Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosted cake adds indulgent sweetness and a glossy, professional-looking finish. It pairs beautifully with the spices, apples, and nuts.
Storage Instructions
To store your apple carrot cake recipe properly, allow it to cool completely before covering. For short-term storage, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in a sealed container for up to 4–5 days; this also keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh.
If you want to store it even longer, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
FAQs About Apple Carrot Cake Recipe
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, use all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour to achieve a similar rise.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely. You can omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for texture.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Grated carrots and apple, along with olive oil, naturally keep the cake moist. Avoid over baking and check with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs (3 tablespoons flaxseed + 9 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based cream cheese for frosting.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Yes, fill lined cupcake tins about 2/3 full and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
Conclusion
This apple carrot cake recipe was a truly enjoyable experience. The cake turned out moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, and the cream cheese frosting added a smooth, tangy finish that everyone loved.
My family and guests were delighted with each slice, praising both the taste and texture. I felt very happy and proud of my easy success in creating such a delicious dessert.
I hope that others will try this apple carrot cake recipe too, as it is simple to follow and brings joy and satisfaction to anyone who makes it.
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Bakery-Style Chocolate Carrot Cake Recipe
Copycat Sally’s Baking Addiction Carrot Cake
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe – Tropical Flavor
Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe – Perfectly Spiced
Apple Carrot Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Grater (for carrots and apple)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Electric mixer
- 9×13 inch or similar cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups self-raising flour
- 3 cups coarsely grated carrot
- 2/3 cup desiccated coconut
- 1½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup coarsely grated apple
- 1 cup roasted walnuts chopped coarsely
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened (brick-style)
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides so the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine self-raising flour, brown sugar, desiccated coconut, ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the spices are evenly spread.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the olive oil and mix until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg and oil mixture. Stir gently until the batter comes together.
Add Carrots, Apple, and Nuts
- Fold in the grated carrot, grated apple, and chopped walnuts until they are evenly incorporated into the batter.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting and Assemble
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.