Carrot Cake With Applesauce
This Carrot Cake With Applesauce blends the cozy flavors of carrot cake with the natural sweetness of apples. Made with fresh carrots, apples, warm spices, and no refined sugar, it’s a healthy, comforting treat. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or breakfast topping, it’s easy to make, nutritious, and full of homemade goodness.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Grater (for carrots)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan (or equivalent)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup vegetable oil optional, can reduce or omit
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots about 3 medium carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Applesauce Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 –3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper so the cake lifts out easily.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil (if you’re using it), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will give your cake that warm, cozy flavor.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix you want the cake to stay tender.
Step 5: Add Carrots and Nuts
- Fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped nuts. Mix gently so everything is evenly distributed without deflating the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
- While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and a couple of tablespoons of applesauce. Add a little more applesauce if you prefer a thinner, silkier consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the applesauce cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with extra chopped nuts if you’d like a decorative finish. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure the carrots are finely grated for the best texture. Overly large carrot pieces can make the cake dense and uneven. Also, ensure the cream cheese is softened before making the frosting to avoid lumps and to get a smooth, creamy finish.
Nutrition Facts Of Carrot Cake Applesauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 25g |
