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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, walnuts (if using), asparagus, and peas.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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