Description
This Oat, Carrot, and Orange Cake is moist, tender, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor! Made with wholesome rolled oats, sweet grated carrots, fragrant orange zest, and warm cinnamon, every slice is comforting and delicious. This easy homemade cake is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (about 100 g) finely grated carrots
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil or neutral vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
1/4 cup raisins, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar until combined. Add the oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir the finely grated carrots into the wet ingredients until evenly distributed.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until no dry pockets of flour remain. Fold in the optional walnuts or raisins, if using.
6. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes so the oats can begin absorbing the liquid.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking around 30 minutes.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool further before slicing.
10. Serve plain or with Greek yogurt, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a little extra orange zest.
Notes
Tips:
– Grate the carrots finely for a moist, evenly textured cake.
– Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus aroma.
– Measure the flour carefully to avoid a dry cake.
– Avoid overmixing the batter.
– Oven temperatures vary, so start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
– Let the cake cool before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Variations:
– Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
– Add 1/4 cup raisins for extra sweetness.
– Use certified gluten-free oats and a suitable gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
– Add extra orange zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
– Reduce the brown sugar slightly for a less sweet cake, noting that the texture may change.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool environment, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months for best quality.
Nutrition estimate per slice, based on 10 slices without optional walnuts or raisins:
230 calories, 4 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 14 g sugars, 11 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, and 150 mg sodium. Values are estimates and vary with ingredients and portion size.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American