Spiced Carrot Cake

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.

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream sugars and oil together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in applesauce.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting (optional).

For the cream cheese frosting (optional):

  1. In a large bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.
  3. 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