Carrot Cake Recipe

 

Carrot Cake Recipe

Indulge in the creamy, tasty goodness of our Carrot Cake recipe! This classic dessert is made of grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and a hint of spice, all topped with rich cream cheese frosting. The softness of the cake and the zip of the tangy frosting are absolutely divine, making this cake an excellent treat for any occasion. Whether you're a carrot cake enthusiast or you simply need a new recipe to liven up your evening meals, this Carrot Cake is an excellent option.

                             Photo Credit: Caitlin Bensel

 Why You'll Love This

You're going to love this recipe because it's just a wonderful mix of sweet and hot flavors. The grated carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture into the cake, and then the cream cheese frosting brings a creamy and tangy contrast. And on top of that, the chopped walnuts provide an excellent texture and crunch to the cake. It doesn't matter if you're serving it on some special occasion or you just wish for a good dessert, this Carrot Cake won't let you down. 

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4-6 people

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ingredients

·       2 cups of all-purpose flour

·       2 teaspoons of baking powder

·       1 teaspoon of baking soda

·       1 teaspoon salt

·       1 cup of granulated sugar

·       1/2 cup softened unsalted butter

·       2 large eggs

·       2 cups of grated carrots

·       1 cup of chopped walnuts

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·       Cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe)

For Cream Cheese Frosting

·       8 ounces softened cream cheese

·       1/2 cup softened unsalted butter

·       2 cups of powdered sugar

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

·       2 (9-inch) round cake pans

·       Mixing bowls

·       Whisk

·       Measuring cups and spoons

Procedure

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Grease the cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Stir chopped walnuts and grated carrots.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually and whisk until smooth.

6. Divide the batter between the prepared pans evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes clean.

2. Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Beat in the powdered sugar gradually, until smooth and creamy.

3. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Cake Assembly

1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter.

2. Frost the top of the cake layer with a layer of frosting.

3. Top with the second cake layer.

4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

 

Estimated Macronutrient Breakdown (per serving)

v  Calories: 400-500

v  Protein: 5-7g

v  Fat: 25-30g

v  Carbohydrates: 40-50g

 

It is served 4-6 and is best for a special meal or dinner with the family. Serve cold with chopped walnuts or whipped cream.

Tips and Variations

o   Use good-quality cream cheese to taste.

o   Add a teaspoon of spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the batter for an extra flavor.

o   Replace other nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, with texture and flavor.

o   Finish the cake with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Most Popular Questions

1. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, the cake can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

2. How do I keep leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can the cake be frozen?

Yes. Simply cool it down completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. What is the ideal frosting to use in this recipe?

The best frosting to use in this recipe is cream cheese frosting, but whipped cream or buttercream frosting can also be used.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

You can add other ingredients to the batter, such as dried fruit or shredded coconut.

6. How do I serve the cake?

 Serve the cake chilled, garnished with chopped walnuts or whipped cream.