Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake: A Hearty and Delicious Treat

This Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. The addition of oatmeal adds a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor, while the warm spices create a cozy and comforting experience. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. It’s moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe!

## Why You’ll Love This Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake

* **Moist and Tender:** The combination of grated carrots, applesauce, and oil ensures a perfectly moist cake that stays fresh for days.
* **Hearty and Filling:** The oatmeal adds a satisfying chewiness and makes the cake more substantial.
* **Warm and Spicy:** A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a comforting and flavorful spice profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, with a simple glaze, or topped with a creamy frosting.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Cake:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups (250g) – Provides the structure for the cake.
* **Rolled Oats:** 1 cup (90g) – Adds texture and a nutty flavor. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup (200g) – Sweetens the cake.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup (100g) – Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons – Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon – Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity of the brown sugar to create a lighter texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 2 teaspoons – Adds warmth and spice.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/2 teaspoon – Contributes a warm, nutty flavor.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon – Provides a subtle spicy kick.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a strong, aromatic flavor. Use sparingly.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Eggs:** 2 large – Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml) – Adds moisture and tenderness.
* **Applesauce:** 1/2 cup (120ml) – Contributes moisture and a subtle sweetness. Unsweetened applesauce is recommended.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
* **Grated Carrots:** 2 cups (about 3 medium carrots) – Adds sweetness, moisture, and color.
* **Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional):** 1/2 cup – Adds texture and nutty flavor.
* **Raisins (optional):** 1/2 cup – Adds sweetness and chewiness.

### For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces (226g), softened – Provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (113g), softened – Adds richness and helps to create a smooth frosting.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 3 cups (360g) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
* **Milk or Cream:** 1-2 tablespoons – Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** Or a similar size cake pan.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining wet and dry ingredients.
* **Electric Mixer:** Handheld or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar.
* **Whisk:** For combining dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding in the carrots and nuts/raisins.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Grater:** For grating the carrots.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** For lining the baking pan.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

### Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
* Make sure there are no lumps of baking powder or baking soda.

### Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
* Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated.

### Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
* The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is normal.

### Step 5: Fold in Carrots, Nuts, and Raisins (Optional)

* Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans (if using), and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
* Use a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.

### Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* Check the cake after 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

### Step 7: Cool the Cake

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
* If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the cake out using the overhang.
* Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting (if using).

### Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

* While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
* Add the vanilla extract and milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
* Beat the frosting until light and fluffy.

### Step 9: Frost the Cake (Optional)

* Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
* You can use a spatula or a piping bag to frost the cake.
* Garnish with chopped walnuts, pecans, or carrot shavings, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake

* **Use Freshly Grated Carrots:** Pre-shredded carrots tend to be dry and won’t add as much moisture to the cake.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature eggs and butter will incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Preference:** Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to suit your taste. You can also add other spices, such as cardamom or allspice.
* **Add Other Ingredients:** Get creative and add other ingredients to the cake, such as shredded coconut, chopped pineapple, or dried cranberries.
* **Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
* **Store the Cake Properly:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If frosting with cream cheese frosting, always store it in the refrigerator.

## Variations and Additions

* **Vegan Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake:** Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and butter alternative. Ensure your sugar is vegan as some granulated sugar is processed using bone char.
* **Gluten-Free Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
* **Add Pineapple:** Fold in 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) for a tropical twist.
* **Add Coconut:** Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
* **Make Cupcakes:** Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Make a Brown Butter Glaze:** Drizzle a brown butter glaze over the cake for a nutty and rich flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve it plain:** This cake is delicious on its own, no frosting needed.
* **With a dollop of whipped cream:** A simple and classic topping.
* **With a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** A perfect dessert pairing.
* **With a warm cup of coffee or tea:** A cozy and comforting treat.
* **As part of a brunch spread:** A great addition to any brunch menu.

## Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This recipe is the perfect complement to the spice cake. It’s creamy, tangy and oh-so-delicious. If you’re in a hurry a store bought frosting can be used as well.

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

**Instructions**

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Add milk until desired consistency is reached.

## Make Ahead and Storage

The cake can be made ahead of time. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Frosting should be stored in the refrigerator.

## Nutritional Information

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per slice (depending on frosting and additions)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Protein: 4-6g

## Conclusion

This Carrot Oatmeal Spice Cake is a delightful and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, warm spices, and hearty oatmeal, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a simple glaze, or topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a slice of happiness!

Enjoy baking!