Spiced Tropical Carrot Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Welcome to the world of tropical flavors with a twist! This Spiced Tropical Carrot Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices and exotic ingredients that will transport your taste buds to a paradise of flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Spiced Tropical Carrot Cake

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake, giving it a light and fluffy texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake just right, while baking soda and baking powder ensure it rises beautifully. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, making each bite more inviting. Eggs bind everything together, while vegetable oil and unsweetened applesauce keep the cake moist. Vanilla extract adds a hint of depth, complementing the grated carrots which bring natural sweetness and moisture. The crushed pineapple introduces a tropical flair, and shredded coconut contributes texture and richness. Lastly, chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more pronounced tropical flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
  • Toast the shredded coconut beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Use a microplane to grate the carrots finely, which blends them better into the cake.
  • To prevent nuts from sinking, toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, try a tangy cream cheese frosting with a hint of lime zest for extra zing. Serve it with a tropical fruit salad on the side for a refreshing finish to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for similar results.
What if I don’t have applesauce?
You can replace it with an equal amount of mashed banana or yogurt.
How do I store the cake?
Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Spiced Tropical Carrot Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking dish by greasing and flouring a 9x13 inch pan. This ensures that your cake will come out with ease. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix them together thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and whisk until everything is well blended. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until just combined. You want a smooth batter without overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Gently fold in the carrots, pineapple, coconut, and walnuts. Be careful not to overdo it; just ensure that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the dish before frosting or serving, as this will help it set nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique spin on the classic carrot cake with a tropical twist.
  • The perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • Moist and tender crumb thanks to the combination of applesauce and oil.
  • Naturally adds a burst of flavor with fresh ingredients like carrots and pineapple.
  • Nuts and coconut add texture and richness.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then blend in the oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Fold in the carrots, pineapple, coconut, and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cake cool completely before frosting or serving.

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