This Carrot Date Spice Cake is a warm and cozy dessert filled with sweet dates and crunchy walnuts. The mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes it smell wonderful while baking!
Every bite is moist and flavorful, perfect for a snack or dessert. I love having it with a cup of tea—it’s like a hug in cake form! 🥕🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this cake, giving it structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead.
Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add moisture and sweetness. Pre-packaged grated carrots work too, but they may be drier, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Dates: Chopped Medjool dates are a great choice due to their rich flavor. If dates are hard to find, try using chopped dried apricots or raisins for a different twist.
Walnuts: They provide a nice crunch and flavor. You can substitute with pecans or leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cake.
Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar gives the cake depth of flavor. You can use all brown sugar or coconut sugar if you want a lighter option.
How Do I Get My Cake to Rise Perfectly?
The key to a well-risen cake lies in correctly using baking powder and baking soda. These ingredients react with moisture and heat to help the cake rise.
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; stale leavening agents will not work well.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. This keeps the cake light and airy.
- Preheat your oven fully before placing the cake inside. This ensures it bakes evenly from the start.
Following these simple tips will help your Carrot Date Spice Cake come out fluffy and delicious. Happy baking!
Carrot Date Spice Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped dates, pitted
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chopped walnuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then let it cool completely on a wire rack. If you decide to add the optional glaze, set aside an extra 5 minutes for that. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying fresh cake in about an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your 9-inch bundt or tube pan will help the cake release easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until everything is blended nicely. Now, add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix as this can affect the cake’s texture.
5. Fold in the Good Stuff:
Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped dates, and walnuts into the batter, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top so it’s even.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
8. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add some sweetness on top, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your cooled cake.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top of your glaze for a lovely finish. Now, your Carrot Date Spice Cake is ready to enjoy!
Serve yours with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Substitute the Oil in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use melted coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, or even Greek yogurt in place of vegetable oil for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your cake by adding crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, or even dried cranberries. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if adding extra wet ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Different Nuts?
Yes! While walnuts add a lovely crunch, you can easily substitute with pecans or leave them out altogether if you prefer a nut-free cake. Just be sure to keep the flavor balance in mind.
