Experience the joy of baking with this Easy Carrot Cake recipe, a moist and flavorful treat that’s so simple, you might find yourself making it three times a week! This cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich, warm flavors of spices and the crunch of walnuts, topped off with a creamy and smooth cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a mid-week treat, this carrot cake is the perfect choice.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g vegetable oil
- 180 g flour
- Zest of 1 orange
- 200 g carrots, grated
- 100 g walnuts, chopped (plus extra for decoration, if desired)
- A pinch of salt
- 10 g baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of a spice mix (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg)
- For the Cream:
- 200-250 g cream cheese
- 50-65 g icing sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by grating the carrots and the zest of one orange for a burst of freshness. Chop the walnuts, either manually or in a grinder, for a crunchy texture.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until slightly frothy, creating a light and airy base. Stir in the vegetable oil until well combined. In another bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and spices. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors and ensures a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Fold the grated carrots, orange zest, and chopped walnuts into the egg mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain the batter’s lightness.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 26×12 cm loaf pan or a round cake pan with baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by blending the cream cheese with icing sugar until smooth. This creamy topping will add a luxurious finish to the cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cake. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
- Flavorful and Moist: The combination of carrots, orange zest, and spices gives this cake an irresistibly moist texture and complex flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual coffee breaks.
Cooking Tips:
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavors, especially the carrots and orange zest.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake as oven temperatures can vary. Check doneness with a skewer to ensure it comes out clean.
Delight in the rich, moist texture and exquisite flavor of this Easy Carrot Cake, a recipe that proves simplicity doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this carrot cake is sure to impress!