Are you craving a comforting, flavorful cake but want to keep things healthy and relatively quick? Then look no further! This Blue Bowl Carrot Cake recipe is the perfect solution. It's bursting with moist, spiced carrot goodness, subtly sweetened, and naturally delicious. Forget those heavy, overly sugary cakes; this one is a guilt-free indulgence perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying afternoon snack. Get ready to enjoy a slice (or two!) of pure carrot cake heaven!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thorough mixing prevents clumps in your batter.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Add-ins: Gently fold in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins or dates (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake:
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan butter and cream cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Blue Bowl Carrot Cake is a wonderful example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!