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Slice of moist purple carrot cake on a white ceramic plate

Purple Cake

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5 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Jesse Daniel Wiley
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Purple Cake puts a colorful spin on the classic Southern carrot cake, utilizing the natural sweetness and stunning hue of purple carrots. Infused with warm spices and bright lemon zest, it delivers an incredibly moist crumb that is sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering.

Ingredients

  • 9 ounces purple carrots, finely grated
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon purple food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the finely grated carrots, brown sugar, white sugar, and lemon zest; toss well and let sit for 5 minutes to release natural juices.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the carrot-sugar mixture, including all accumulated liquid, and the optional food coloring if desired.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate to cool completely.

Notes

To ensure the most vibrant color, choose carrots that are deep purple all the way through. If you prefer a more traditional layer cake look, this batter works excellently in two 9-inch round cake pans; just reduce the baking time to approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Always allow the cake to cool entirely before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting or tearing the tender crumb.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/purple-cake/