Carrot and Apple Oatmeal Cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of carrots and apples with the hearty texture of oats. It’s a healthier dessert option that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or as a light treat. The oats add a bit of fiber, while the apples and carrots bring natural sweetness, making this cake both delicious and nutritious.
Here’s a simple recipe to make this Carrot and Apple Oatmeal Cake:
Carrot and Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup, for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped or grated
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats with 1 cup of hot water. Let the oats sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and honey (or maple syrup) together until well combined.
- Add the applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Oats and Wet Ingredients
- Stir the softened oats (with the water) into the wet mixture. Combine thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Add the Carrots and Apples
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped apple, and nuts (if using). These will add moisture and texture to the cake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly on top, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve as is, or you can top it with a light glaze or cream cheese frosting if desired.
Optional Glaze (for extra sweetness):
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp milk (or orange juice, for a citrus twist)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake. If you’d like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar to the mixture until you get the desired consistency.
Tips & Variations:
- Add-ins: You can include other mix-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use non-dairy milk like almond milk and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave.
- For a spicier cake: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for a more warming, spiced flavor.
- Frosting: If you prefer a rich frosting, you can add a light cream cheese frosting or Greek yogurt frosting for a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet cake.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: If frosted, it’s best to refrigerate it. It will last for up to 5-7 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
This Carrot and Apple Oatmeal Cake is a lovely, wholesome treat that balances sweetness, texture, and nutrition. It’s perfect for a breakfast on the go, a snack, or a dessert that doesn’t feel too indulgent. Enjoy!
Let me know if you’d like more healthy dessert recipes or other variations!