Perfectly Moist Carrot Cake: Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

2 eggs
160 grams (3/4 cup) sugar
200 grams (1.5 cups) all-purpose flour
1 medium carrot
1 teaspoon cinnamon
7 grams (1.5 teaspoons) baking powder
80 grams (3/4 cup) walnuts or pecans, chopped
80 milliliters (1/3 cup) vegetable oil
*zest of one orange (optional)

Frosting:

180 grams (6.5 ounces) cream cheese
100 grams (1/2 cup) heavy cream (33-35%)
60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Make sure it's large enough to hold all the batter without spilling.
Electric Mixer
Though you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes the job faster and yields a smoother batter.
Baking Tin
Use a non-stick tin or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Grater
A fine grater works best for the carrot to blend seamlessly into the batter.
Cooling Rack
Allows the cake to cool evenly from all sides.

Instructions

Step 1

Prep:

Toast or bake the nuts until golden brown, then chop them.

Grate the fresh carrot on a fine grater.

Step 2

Mixing Batter:

In a bowl, combine eggs, grated carrot, vegetable oil, sugar, and orange zest using a mixer.

Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon) and mix them into the wet ingredients.

Add the chopped nuts and stir well.

Step 3

Baking:

Pour the batter into a baking tin.

Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) without convection, for about 40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Let the cake cool in the tin for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the tin to cool completely.

Step 4

Frosting:

Combine chilled cream cheese and heavy cream with powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Garnish with nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Servings

The best part of any cake is **sharing it with loved ones**! This carrot cake is no different and offers a multitude of serving possibilities 🍰.

Consider slicing it into generous pieces and serving it with a **dollop of whipped cream on the side** for added richness. If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, a few **fresh berries** tucked beside each slice can add a burst of freshness to each bite.

If you're hosting a more formal gathering, plating each slice with a **drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce** not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of elegance. Placing a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** next to the cake will turn it into a luxurious dessert experience.

For a cozy tea time, nothing pairs better with this carrot cake than a warm cup of coffee or tea. Its spiced undertones and creamy frosting make every sip and bite feel like a warm hug. ☕✨

Variations

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a **1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend**. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the cake completely safe for gluten intolerances. 🥕💚

Vegan: Replace the eggs with **flax eggs** (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for a few minutes). Use a **vegan cream cheese** and **coconut cream** for the frosting. The vegetable oil in the recipe is already vegan-friendly! 🌱🎂

Faq

What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Both walnuts and pecans work wonderfully. They add a satisfying crunch and a rich flavor that complements the carrot and spices.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture. Pre-shredded carrots can be too dry.
How can I make the cake more flavorful?
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or some grated ginger for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just whip it briefly before spreading it on the cake.
How can I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?
Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking.
What other frosting flavors can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors such as lemon cream cheese, vanilla buttercream, or even a light orange glaze.