Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot-Apple Spice Cake is everything you want in a cosy, comforting dessert—moist, tender, warmly spiced, and full of natural sweetness from fresh fruit and carrots. The combination of grated apples and carrots creates a beautifully soft crumb while keeping the cake perfectly moist without being heavy. The spices bring a fragrant depth that makes each bite inviting, whether you serve it for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a holiday dessert. I once tried replacing part of the oil with applesauce, and the result was wonderfully light yet still incredibly flavourful. This cake feels homely and nostalgic while offering balance, flavour, and ease, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
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Carrot-Apple Spice Cake: A Moist, Fragrant Bake Perfect for Any Season
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 9–12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, warmly spiced cake made with fresh carrots and apples, balanced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup finely grated apple (peeled)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, grated apple, and nuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing or frosting if desired.
Notes
- Grate carrots and apples finely for the best texture.
- Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Add raisins for extra sweetness if desired.
- Keeps moist for several days when stored airtight.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Carrots
Grated carrots add moisture, sweetness, and a tender texture to the cake without overpowering the flavour.
Apples
Fresh grated apples bring light sweetness and extra juiciness that help create a moist crumb.
Flour
Provides structure while allowing the cake to remain soft and airy.
Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crust as the cake bakes.
Eggs
Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s soft, cohesive texture.
Vegetable oil
Keeps the cake moist and tender; neutral flavour allows spices to shine.
Baking powder and baking soda
Leavening agents that help the cake rise evenly.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
Warm spices that give the cake its signature aromatic flavour.
Vanilla extract
Enhances sweetness and rounds out the spice profile.
Salt
Balances the flavours and strengthens the spice notes.
Optional add-ins: walnuts or raisins
Provide texture and extra richness if desired.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven and preparing a cake pan with parchment or a light coating of oil. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture. Add the grated carrots and apples, stirring just until incorporated. If using nuts or raisins, fold them in at this stage. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack. You may serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent finish.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. If frosted with cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended. The cake also freezes well; wrap slices individually and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Cream Cheese Frosted Cake
Top with a lightly sweet cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style finish.
Apple-Pecan Spice Cake
Swap walnuts for pecans to add buttery crunch.
Honey-Infused Version
Replace a portion of the sugar with honey for deeper flavour.
Whole Wheat Twist
Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier, more rustic texture.
Citrus-Spiced Cake
Add orange zest for a bright, refreshing note.
Maple Glaze
Drizzle with a simple maple glaze for extra warmth.
Moist Applesauce Variation
Replace part of the oil with applesauce for a lighter cake.
Extra-Spiced Cake
Increase cinnamon and ginger for a bolder spice profile.
Raisin or Cranberry Mix-In
Add dried fruit for extra sweetness and texture.
Nut-Free Version
Omit nuts to keep the crumb light and soft.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without apples?
Yes, but the apples add moisture; replace with extra grated carrot.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes, reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Is this cake dairy-free?
Yes, as long as it’s served without cream cheese frosting.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace up to half the flour without affecting texture.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing can cause this—fold ingredients gently.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, it freezes very well for up to two months.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil keeps the cake softer, but melted butter can be used for richer flavour.
What apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp both work well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need to peel the apples and carrots?
Peeling is recommended for best texture, but not strictly required.
Conclusion
Carrot-Apple Spice Cake is a fragrant, moist, and beautifully balanced dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its blend of fresh fruit, gentle sweetness, and cosy spices, it’s a versatile and timeless recipe suitable for gatherings, holidays, or everyday enjoyment. Whether topped simply or frosted generously, this cake delivers irresistible flavour in every slice.
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