Treat yourself and your little ones to a delightful twist on a classic dessert with this Oatmeal Carrot Cake. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and fresh carrots, this cake is not only easy to make but also a healthier option for a sweet treat. Perfect for an autumn afternoon snack or a cozy family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
– 1/2 cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the frosting
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and optional raisins or walnuts, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
10. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
11. Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy your deliciously moist oatmeal carrot cake!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Introduction
In today’s world, finding desserts that are both delicious and nutritious can be quite challenging. However, this Oatmeal Carrot Cake fits the bill perfectly. This cake doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and fresh carrots. It is the perfect balance between health and indulgence, making it ideal for family gatherings, kids’ parties, or just a simple autumn afternoon snack.
Detailed Ingredients
The ingredients for this Oatmeal Carrot Cake are divided into dry and wet components. On the dry side, we have 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. These provide the basic structure and flavor for the cake.
For the wet ingredients, you’ll need 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These add moisture and sweetness to the cake, making it incredibly tender. Don’t forget the fresh grated carrots, about 1 1/2 cups, which are a standout ingredient here. Optional add-ins like 1/2 cup of raisins or walnuts can give your cake an extra burst of flavor and texture.
The frosting adds another layer of deliciousness to this cake. You’ll need 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to complete it. This velvety topping is sweetened perfectly with natural maple syrup, providing a delightful complement to the spiced cake.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
This Oatmeal Carrot Cake is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy parents or anyone looking for a hassle-free baking experience. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, the cook time is around 35 minutes, and the total time required from start to finish is about 50 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for a small family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea party.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is critical for ensuring that your cake bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden-brown color. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. This step will help you remove the cake easily from the pan once it’s baked.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, providing a balanced flavor throughout the cake.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until well combined: brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and uniform in texture.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so be careful to mix only until you no longer see flour.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and optional raisins or walnuts. This step ensures that the carrots and any optional add-ins are well-distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Make sure the batter is level to ensure even baking.
7. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
8. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack will prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
10. Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture, mixing until well-incorporated and smooth. This will give your frosting a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
11. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a smooth, beautiful finish.
12. Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your deliciously moist oatmeal carrot cake!
This cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a simple afternoon treat or serve it as a dessert for a special occasion.
Notes
– You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber.
– For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute in the frosting.
– Feel free to add other mix-ins like shredded coconut or chopped pecans to personalize the cake to your liking.
Cook Techniques
– Mixing: Make sure you mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This ensures even distribution of all ingredients and avoids over-mixing.
– Folding: Fold in the carrots and any optional add-ins gently to avoid deflating the batter.
– Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
FAQ
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
You can substitute mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for the applesauce.
Conclusion
The Oatmeal Carrot Cake is a delightful, healthier twist on a classic dessert that your whole family will love. Its perfect balance of warmth from the spices, sweetness from the maple syrup, and the moist texture from the oats and carrots make it a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome treat for your kids or a comforting dessert for yourself, this cake fits the bill.
More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations
If you enjoyed making this cake, you might also love trying other wholesome dessert options like Banana Oat Muffins or Pumpkin Spice Bread. For a savory twist, consider a Carrot and Zucchini Bread. Each of these recipes offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate.
By incorporating wholesome ingredients and easy techniques, you can create delicious, nutritious desserts that your family will love. Happy baking!
