Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn flavors with this delightful Harvest Cake featuring a moist, spiced cake loaded with apples, carrots, and nuts. Topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (like avocado or sunflower)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the maple frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and applesauce. Stir in grated carrots and apples. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Spread evenly over cooled cake.
Notes
- This cake is even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can substitute pear for apple or use sweet potato instead of carrots for a variation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
