Carrot Apple Walnut Cake is the perfect treat that brings together the delightful flavors of wholesome ingredients. Imagine tasting the sweet notes of grated carrots and apples, intertwined with the warm, comforting essence of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts. This recipe is more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients coming together to create a deliciously moist dessert that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or just a sweet indulgence at home, this cake is bound to become a family favorite!
What You’ll Need for Carrot Apple Walnut Cake
To whip up this delectable cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats, ground into flour (approx. 180g)
- 1 cup almond flour (approx. 100g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping (approx. 60g)
- 2 large carrots, grated (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 medium apples, grated (reserve some slices for topping)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (approx. 120g)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (approx. 60ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 10 Medjool dates, soaked and pureed
How to Make Carrot Apple Walnut Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Dates: Soak the Medjool dates in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften. Drain and then puree until smooth.
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Make Oat Flour: Place rolled oats in a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until you achieve a fine flour consistency. Measure out 2 cups of the ground oat flour for your recipe.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ground oat flour, almond flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped walnuts to the dry mix.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the grated carrots, grated apples, eggs, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the pureed dates. Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
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Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Arrange the reserved apple slices on top in a decorative manner, and sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts for an added crunch.
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan.
How to Serve Carrot Apple Walnut Cake
Once your cake has cooled and you’ve removed it from the springform pan, you can serve it in a variety of delightful ways. Slice the cake and serve it plain, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a creamier texture. A sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts on top not only adds a nice crunch but also provides a lovely visual appeal. Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack, or serve it as a light dessert after dinner.
Make It Your Own
- Add Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist.
- Fruit Variations: Incorporate grated zucchini or even crushed pineapple for a moist texture.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the number of dates based on your sweetness preference, or add a little honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
Carrot Apple Walnut Cake FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Q: Is there a substitute for almond flour?
A: If you don’t have almond flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind it will alter the texture slightly.
Q: Can I use different nuts?
A: Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts work great if you want to mix things up. Just chop them up and add them in!
Try making this delightful Carrot Apple Walnut Cake for yourself or to share with loved ones. The combination of flavors and textures will surely brighten up your day! Happy baking!