A Moist and Delicious Treat

This carrot cake is a classic for a reason! It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with grated carrots, walnuts, and warm spices, this cake is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 150g granulated sugar
  • 80g vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil)
  • 180g all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 200g grated carrots
  • 100g chopped walnuts
  • A pinch of salt
  • 10g baking powder
  • Spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (about 1 tablespoon of a mixed spice blend)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 200-250g cream cheese, softened
  • 50-65g powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vegetable oil.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the grated carrots. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Make the frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  7. Assemble: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with additional walnuts, if desired.

Cooking Tips:

  • For extra moisture, you can puree the carrots before adding them to the batter.
  • To intensify the flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet before chopping.
  • For a creamier frosting, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before beating.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Benefits:

Carrot cake is surprisingly nutritious! Carrots are packed with vitamin A, and walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. This cake is a good source of fiber and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Moist and flavorful: The combination of carrots, spices, and cream cheese frosting creates a delicious cake.
  • Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding different nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips.
  • Satisfying: This cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a special celebration.

Dietary Information:

This recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a vegan version, use vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Why This Recipe Works:

The combination of moist carrots, aromatic spices, and creamy frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The baking powder helps to create a light and fluffy cake, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch.

Conclusion:

This classic carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. It’s a perfect combination of taste and texture, making it a delicious treat for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade carrot cake and savor every bite!