Carrot Cake with Applesauce
A moist and flavorful carrot cake made healthier with the addition of applesauce, providing natural sweetness and a tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and eggs together until smooth and creamy.
Add the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before serving.