Recipe For Carrot Cake With Applesauce
This carrot cake with applesauce is moist and flavorful, combining grated carrots, applesauce, and warm spices. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake tender. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Largemixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and applesauce until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Incorporate the Carrots and Pineapple
- Gently fold the grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an added touch of indulgence, top your carrot cake with a classic cream cheese frosting.
Simply beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread over the cooled cake and enjoy!