Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of our Easy Homemade Carrot Cake. This delightful cake is wonderfully moist, bursting with fresh orange zest and warm spices, and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations, or even as an everyday treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g vegetable oil
- 180 g flour
- Zest of 1 orange
- 200 g carrots, finely grated
- 100 g walnuts, coarsely chopped (plus extra for decoration)
- A pinch of salt
- 10 g baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of a spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg as desired)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200-250 g cream cheese
- 50-65 g icing sugar
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Grate the Carrots: Finely grate 200 g of fresh carrots to ensure they blend well into the cake batter, adding moisture and sweetness.
- Zest the Orange: Use the zest of one orange to infuse the cake with a fresh, citrusy aroma that complements the spices.
- Chop the Walnuts: Coarsely chop 100 g of walnuts, providing a satisfying crunch in each bite. Use a knife or a grinder, depending on your preference.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 150 g of sugar until the mixture becomes slightly fluffy, creating a light base for the batter.
- Combine with Oil: Add 80 g of vegetable oil to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 180 g of flour, a pinch of salt, 10 g of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of your chosen spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg). Sifting helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and create a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the grated carrots, orange zest, and chopped walnuts to the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 26×12 cm loaf pan or an equivalent-sized round cake pan with baking paper.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Adjust baking time if using a different pan size.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mix the Frosting: In a bowl, blend together 200-250 g of cream cheese and 50-65 g of icing sugar until smooth and creamy. This frosting adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced cake.
5. Decorate the Cake:
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to avoid melting the frosting. Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped walnuts, adding both visual appeal and a delightful crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
- Moist and Flavorful: The finely grated carrots and vegetable oil keep the cake wonderfully moist, while the orange zest and spices add depth of flavor.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile: This carrot cake is perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert, for celebrations, or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this cake as a delightful dessert after a meal, or enjoy it as a sweet treat with a hot beverage. It’s also a great option for potlucks and gatherings, sure to impress family and friends.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen, without the frosting, for up to three months. Thaw and frost before serving.
This Easy Homemade Carrot Cake is a delicious way to bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite!