Spiced Carrot Cake with Bestnut Walnuts and Fruits of The Earth Raisins.
Method
This recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic carrot cake, packed with flavour and nutrients. It utilizes Bestnut walnuts for a delightful crunch and Fruits of The Earth raisins for a touch of sweetness.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream sugars and oil together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in applesauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting (optional).
For the cream cheese frosting (optional):
- In a large bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a richer flavour, substitute ½ cup of whole wheat flour with ½ cup of almond flour.
- You can use other chopped nuts from Bestnut in place of walnuts, or a combination of nuts for a variety of textures.
- If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed banana as a substitute.
- This recipe is easily doubled to make a larger cake.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious carrot cake made with high-quality ingredients from Bestnut and Fruits of The Earth!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or ¾ cup for a less sweet option)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped Bestnut Walnuts
- ½ cup Fruits of The Earth Raisins
For the cream cheese frosting (optional):
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Recipe by:
Ace Nut Traders (PTY) Ltd