Ingredients:
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or additional all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (or 3/4 cup sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk or orange juice (for added moisture)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil (or melted butter), honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add milk or orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Fruits and Vegetables
Fold in the grated carrots, diced apples, raisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your flavorful, moist Autumn Spice Carrot & Apple Cake, perfect for cozy fall gatherings!
