Carrot Cake
Discover the secret to the ultimate carrot cake through a unique blend of hand-grated carrots, a precise mix of spices, and a method that emphasizes patience and precision in both preparation and baking. This recipe elevates the humble carrot cake to a culinary masterpiece, promising unmatched moisture, texture, and a flavor profile that pre-packaged mixes can’t compete with. Follow along to create a carrot cake that might just become the star of your baking collection.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
50 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 12 servings.
Ingredients
- Grated carrots, 2 cups (about 4 medium carrots)
- Brown sugar, 1 cup (220g)
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100g)
- Eggs, 4 large
- Neutral-flavored oil (vegetable or coconut), 1 cup (240ml)
- Unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup (120ml)
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250g)
- Ground cinnamon, 2 tsp (4g)
- Ground ginger, 1 tsp (2g)
- Ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp (1g)
- Baking soda, 2 tsp (10g)
- Salt, 1/4 tsp (1.5g)
- Vanilla extract, 2 tsp (10ml)
- Crushed pineapple, drained, 1 cup (225g)
- Raisins, 1/2 cup (75g)
- Cream cheese, softened, 16 oz (450g)
- Butter, softened, 1/2 cup (115g)
- Confectioners' sugar, 4 cups (480g)
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp (5ml)
- Salt, a pinch
- Toasted chopped nuts (optional for decoration)
Method
- Combine grated carrots and brown sugar in a bowl; let sit for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 10-inch round cake pans.
- Beat eggs until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, and pineapple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir in the carrot and brown sugar mixture and raisins.
- Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake layers, assemble, and decorate with nuts if desired.
- Refrigerate before serving to set the frosting.
This carrot cake recipe transcends the ordinary with its moist crumb, rich flavor, and creamy frosting. Perfecting the balance between spices, moisture, and texture, it stands as a testament to the magic that happens in the kitchen when patience and passion collide. Ideal for any celebration, or simply as a treat to brighten any day, this carrot cake is sure to enchant and delight all who taste it.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 710
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 95g
- Sugar: 75g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fiber: 2g