Description

This vibrant purple cake offers a unique twist on the classic carrot cake, utilizing finely grated purple carrots for a stunning natural hue and earthy sweetness. Infused with warming spices and applesauce, it results in an incredibly moist and rustic dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

9 oz purple carrots, finely grated
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup light vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Purple food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a medium bowl, combine the finely grated purple carrots with the brown sugar, white sugar, and lemon zest; toss well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to release the natural juices.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until just combined and taking care not to overwork the batter.
Gently fold in the carrot-sugar mixture and all accumulated juices, adding food coloring at this stage if a deeper purple is desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

To ensure the most vivid color, look for carrots that are purple all the way through to the core. If you find your batter looks a bit too orange, the optional drop of food coloring can help maintain that signature jewel tone. This cake stores beautifully at room temperature for up to three days when tightly covered, though the moisture from the carrots makes it even better on the second day.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American