Indulge in the moist and flavorful Zucchini Walnut Carrot Cake. Packed with shredded zucchini, carrots, and crunchy walnuts, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of spices, sugars, and cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With a preparation time of just 60 minutes, you can easily whip up this scrumptious cake at home. Suitable for vegetarians, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy the delicious Zucchini Walnut Carrot Cake!
Interesting Facts
Zucchini adds moisture to the cake while carrots provide natural sweetness.
Walnuts offer a crunchy texture and a dose of healthy fats.
Grating the zucchini and carrots ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter.
Cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.