This Spiced Carrot and Apple Cake is a delightful amalgamation of fresh garden flavors and aromatic spices, topped with a creamy brown sugar glaze. It incorporates finely grated carrots, shredded apples, and zucchini into a moist batter, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This cake captures the essence of home-baked comfort with a touch of elegance, making it a perfect treat for any season.
Why You'll Love This Cake
The combination of spices and fresh ingredients in this cake makes it irresistibly flavorful and moist. The texture is wonderfully light, thanks to the fresh produce, and the spices add a warmth that's comforting and inviting. The brown sugar glaze not only adds a smooth finish but also complements the natural sweetness of the cake. It's a versatile dessert that caters to all palates and occasions.
Perfect Occasion for This Cake
This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from family gatherings and holiday meals to casual coffee breaks. It shines as a centerpiece at autumn celebrations and is equally suited for a cozy winter afternoon tea. It's also a great choice for potlucks and picnics, as it travels well and offers a universally appealing flavor profile.
Decoration Tips
For a beautiful and simple decoration, sprinkle the top of the glazed cake with a little cinnamon or decorate with thin apple slices arranged in a circular pattern. A few edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can also enhance its appearance. Presenting it on a wooden cake stand can emphasize its rustic charm.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 35g golden raisins
- 45ml apple juice or orange juice
- 145g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 100g packed brown sugar
- 75g granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 small orange
- 150ml avocado oil or neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 113g finely grated carrots
- 64g shredded peeled apples
- 57g shredded zucchini (excess liquid squeezed out)
- For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 28g unsalted butter
- 25g packed brown sugar
- 15ml heavy cream
- A dash of fine sea salt
- 28g powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions:
- Prep Raisins: In a small heatproof bowl, soak the raisins in apple or orange juice. Microwave for 10-15 seconds, then cool to room temperature and drain.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange zest, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in carrots, apples, zucchini, and drained raisins.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into a greased and floured 8-inch round cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 28-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Make the Glaze: Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles. Remove from heat, stir in cream and salt, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Finish with Glaze: Spread the glaze over the cooled cake.
Enjoy this delightful Spiced Carrot and Apple Cake with its rich brown sugar glaze, a perfect harmony of spice and sweetness!