Perfectly Moist Carrot Cake: No-Fail Recipe for a Sweet Treat

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

200 ml vegetable oil (0.8 cups)
200 grams sugar (1 cup)
4 large eggs
250 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
300 grams grated carrots (3 cups)
100 grams chopped walnuts (1 cup)

For the Cream

400 grams cream cheese (14 ounces)
200 ml heavy cream (0.8 cups)
100 grams powdered sugar (0.75 cups)

Equipment

Mixer
A good quality mixer is crucial for combining your ingredients smoothly. A stand mixer will make this process easier, but a hand mixer works great too. ⏳
Spatula
Use a silicone spatula for folding in the carrots and walnuts evenly. It’s flexible and makes scraping the bowl easier. 🥄
20 cm (8-inch) Round Baking Pans
Ensure even baking by using quality pans. Line them with parchment paper for easy release. 🧁
Whisk
A handheld whisk is perfect for whipping up the cream cheese frosting until it’s light and fluffy. 🎂

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Sponge Cake

In a mixer bowl, combine vegetable oil and sugar. Mix well.

Add eggs to the mixture and mix again until smooth.

Add all the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon) and mix until the batter is smooth.

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into 20 cm (8-inch) round baking pans.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes.

Step 2

Prepare the Cream

Combine all the ingredients (cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar) in a bowl.

Whip the mixture for 3-4 minutes, starting at low speed and gradually increasing to high speed, until the cream is thick and stable.

Step 3

Assemble the Cake

Once the sponge cake has cooled, divide it into 4 layers.

Assemble the cake by spreading the cream between each layer.

Refrigerate the cake overnight.

Decorate as desired. Optional: add chocolate drips and fresh berries.

Servings

Looking for some mouth-watering ways to serve up your delightful carrot cake? 🍰 Here are a few creative ideas:

• **Classic Slice**: Cut a generous slice and enjoy with a **hot cup of tea or coffee**. The warmth of your beverage enhances the spices in the cake, creating a cozy, comforting experience. 🫖

• **Layered Luxury**: Serve each slice with a **dollop of whipped cream** and a **sprinkle of extra walnuts** to take your presentation to the next level. Top with a **fresh berry garnish** for a burst of color and flavor. 🍓

• **On-the-Go Goodies**: If you’re serving at a party, cut the cake into **bite-sized squares** and arrange them on a platter. Add **toothpicks or small dessert forks** for easy grabbing. Perfect for mingling! 🎉

• **Ice Cream Delight**: Pair your carrot cake with a scoop of **vanilla bean ice cream**. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake, creating a dessert that’s truly irresistible. 🍦

Variations

Want to **enjoy this delicious carrot cake** while accommodating dietary preferences or restrictions? No worries! Here are some **gluten-free and vegan** variations:

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake 🌾:

Replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of **gluten-free baking flour**.
Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are **gluten-free certified**.

Vegan Carrot Cake 🌱:

Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
Swap the heavy cream with **coconut cream** and use **vegan cream cheese** for the frosting.
Ensure your sugar is **vegan-certified**.

Faq

Why is my cake not rising properly?
This may be due to expired baking powder or baking soda, or not mixing the batter thoroughly. Ensure your leavening agents are fresh and the batter is well-combined.
How can I tell when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If there’s wet batter, bake a few more minutes.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a richer flavor profile. Just be mindful of the quantities to not overpower the cake.
How do I ensure my cake layers are even?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between the pans. You can also level the tops of the baked cakes with a serrated knife.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
How do I achieve a smooth finish on my frosting?
Using a bench scraper or offset spatula, apply a thin crumb coat first and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then apply the final layer of frosting smoothly.