Description
A beautifully presented slice of carrot zucchini cake topped with a thick layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. The cake is moist and speckled with finely grated carrots and zucchini, showcasing a golden-brown crumb and a perfect swirl of frosting on top. Garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped walnuts, the cake is set on a rustic wooden table, adding to its homemade charm.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and nuts if using.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra chopped nuts if desired. Slice and enjoy!