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Spring Vegetable Carrot Cake: The BEST Easy Recipe!


  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A moist and delicious spring vegetable carrot cake recipe that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with fresh spring vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, and peas, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped asparagus
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Edible spring flowers or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, walnuts (if using), asparagus, and peas.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting. Garnish with edible spring flowers or sprinkles, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: carrot cake, spring vegetables, dessert, baking, spring, vegetable