Apple butter spiced carrot cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

(6)
"Moist delicious carrot cake spiced just right with apple butter, and a hint of black pepper. Smothered in buttery vanilla frosting."
-- @shelbyykhan
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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 20mins
Cook time 35mins

Recipe Card

Carrot cake

ingredients

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup fine cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup liquid coocnut oil
  • 1 eggs
  • 3/4 cup apple butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanialla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups gluten free baking flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon all spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (powder)
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded carrots, lightly drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans etc.

Carrot cake

Method

  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350. Add chopped nuts to baking tray, and cook for 3-5 minutes until toasted, careful not to burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

  • Step 2

    In a large bowl, use hand mixer to combine oil, eggs, sugars, apple butter, and vanilla. Whisk until no clumps remain.

  • Step 3

    In another bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, spices, baking powder and soda)

  • Step 4

    Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients bowl. Whisk to combine. Add carrots, and whisk to combine again.

  • Step 5

    Add desired amount of nuts, saving some for topping. (nuts optional; skip them if you want!) and mix to combine.

  • Step 6

    Add mix to greased muffin tray or parchment lined cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until browned and toothpick pulls out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Vanilla buttercream frosting

ingredients

  • 8 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup softened butter, unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Vanilla buttercream frosting

  • Step 1

    Use hand mixer to combine butter, and cream cheese.

  • Step 2

    Whisk in vanilla, and heavy whipping cream.

  • Step 3

    Mix in powdered sugar until well combined. If frosting feels too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it feels too thick, add more heavy whipping cream.

Finishing touches

  • Step 1

    Once cupcakes/cake has cooled completely, Spoon buttercream on top, and smooth across.

  • Step 2

    Add additional toasted nuts, if desired.

  • Step 3

    enjoy!