π₯π° Apple-Carrot Cake with Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting π°π₯
What is it?
Apple-carrot cake with best-ever cream cheese frosting is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples, grated carrots, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a moist and flavorful cake. It’s topped with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness. This cake is a delightful blend of fruity, nutty, and creamy textures and flavors.
History:
The exact origin of apple-carrot cake is unclear, but it likely evolved from traditional carrot cake recipes. Carrot cake has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages when sugar and sweeteners were scarce, and carrots were used to sweeten cakes. Apples were later added for their natural sweetness and moisture content. The cream cheese frosting, a classic accompaniment to carrot cake, was popularized in the United States during the 20th century.
Components:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups grated apples
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps to Prepare:
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, grated apples, sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired with additional grated carrots, chopped nuts, or edible flowers.
Total Time:
Preparation and baking of the cake: Approximately 1.5 hours
Preparation of the cream cheese frosting and assembly: Approximately 30 minutes
This delightful apple-carrot cake with best-ever cream cheese frosting is a perfect dessert for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy! π°π₯π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Apple-Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 Slice, without nuts or decorations):
- Calories: 350-400
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-70 milligrams
- Sodium: 250-300 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 35-40 grams
- Protein: 3-5 grams
Health Information:
- Moderate Calories: This dessert is moderately calorie-dense, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.
- Fat Content: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from oil and butter. The cream cheese frosting contributes to the fat content as well.
- Carbohydrates: The main sources of carbohydrates are sugar and flour. The natural sugars from apples and carrots contribute to the sweetness.
- Protein: While there is some protein in the cake, it’s not a significant source of this nutrient.
Health Tips:
- Portion Control: Enjoy this cake in small portions to manage calorie intake.
- Balance: Pair a slice of cake with a source of protein (e.g., yogurt or nuts) to help balance the meal.
- Fruits and Vegetables: The addition of apples and carrots provides some vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but it’s not a substitute for consuming whole fruits and vegetables.
- Sugar Awareness: Be mindful of the added sugar in the cake and frosting. Consider reducing sugar in the recipe if you’re looking to limit sugar intake.
- Nuts: If you include nuts, you’ll add healthy fats and some protein to the dessert, but also extra calories.
Remember that while this cake is a delightful treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
