Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
1 cup chopped Medjool dates
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated and brown sugars until pale and fluffy. Gradually pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract while continuing to whisk.
Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 5: Stir in the grated carrots, diced apples, and chopped dates until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the vanilla cream by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste, whisking until light and airy.
Step 8: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla cream generously over the top and serve.
Notes
For an extra sticky texture, soak the dates in boiling water for 5 minutes and mash them slightly before adding to the batter.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg