Carrot Zucchini Cake
Easter Carrot Zucchini Cake Recipe
Stay in theme this easter with a delicious cake dessert! The twist Using both carrots and zucchini gives this cake a unique flavor. Very moist and very tasty! Decorate with maraschino cherries.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 cup white sugar
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 ½ cups vegetable oil
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4 eggs
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1 cup grated carrot
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1 cup grated zucchini
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½ cup honey
For the Frosting:
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1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
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1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
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1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
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½ cup chopped walnuts
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¼ cup butter, softened
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, and zucchini. Use an electric mixer on low speed until well combined. Slowly add honey and blend thoroughly.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 25 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the confectioners' sugar, crushed pineapple, cream cheese, walnuts, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting over each cooled cake layer, stack, and frost the top and sides. Decorate with maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Tips for a Perfect Cake
- Even Layers: Use a measuring cup to divide the batter evenly among cake pans.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Optional Toppings: Add shredded coconut or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Looking for more creative ways to enjoy eggs in your baked goods? Check out our Eggland's Best: Custard Waffles, which offer a rich, custardy twist on a classic waffle.
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour only?A: Yes, you can replace the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?A: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?A: Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Q: Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini?A: You can substitute grated yellow squash or omit zucchini altogether for a simpler carrot cake.