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.
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
Calories: 420 kcal | Carbohydrates: 54 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 35 g
