Apple Carrot Cake Recipe

Here's a homemade recipe for Apple Carrot Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized carrots)
• 1 cup peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 1-2 apples)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped apples, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (or 25-30 minutes for round cake pans) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until the frosting is well combined and smooth.

Assembly:

• Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
• You can decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots if desired.
• Slice and serve your delicious homemade Apple Carrot Cake!

This delightful cake combines the sweetness of apples with the earthy goodness of carrots, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!