Spicy Christmas carrot cake with walnuts

Ingredients

Dough

1 teaspoon baking soda
225 grams (8 ounces) grated carrots
50 grams (1.75 ounces) chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
a pinch of salt
4 eggs
190 milliliters (3/4 cup) refined vegetable oil
80 grams (2/5 cup) sugar
250 grams (2 cups) flour

Glaze

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
100 grams (3/4 cup) powdered sugar
250 grams (8.8 ounces) cream cheese
70 grams (5 tablespoons) butter

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
You'll need at least two mixing bowls for this recipe; one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Stainless steel or glass bowls are ideal.
Whisk
A good whisk is essential for incorporating air into your wet ingredients and ensuring your glaze is smooth and lump-free.
Electric Mixer
While you can use a hand whisk, an electric mixer will make your life much easier when whipping the cream cheese for the glaze.
Baking Dish
Choose a non-stick baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent your cake from sticking.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).

Step 2

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sift these ingredients to ensure there are no lumps. Sifting aerates the flour, which results in a lighter cake.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. Using room temperature eggs can help create a smoother batter.

Step 4

Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and vanilla essence into the egg mixture.

Step 5

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6

Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake from the 35-minute mark.

Step 8

Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze. Cooling the cake ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn't melt into the cake.

Step 9

For the glaze, whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a whisk or mixer until smooth.

Step 10

Add the softened butter, vanilla essence, and lemon juice. Continue to mix until well combined.

Step 11

Carefully slice the cooled cake into two layers.

Step 12

Spread a generous amount of the prepared glaze between the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining glaze. For a professional finish, use an offset spatula to smooth the glaze.

Step 13

Decorate as desired and enjoy your carrot cake!

Servings

Serving this carrot cake is an experience in itself! Imagine a cozy gathering on a Sunday afternoon—your patterned plates adorned with the golden hues of this sumptuous pastry. 🍰

Your first option could be to enjoy this cake as a delightful dessert after a savory meal. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle some extra glaze on top. 🥄

Or, offer it as a breakfast treat; the grated carrots and nuts make it almost feel like a health food, right? Add a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or tea. ☕

How about a picnic? Pack the cake in a box and share slices with loved ones at the park. The natural sweetness of the carrots combines so well with the outdoor atmosphere. 🌳🍃

Variations

If you're looking for gluten-free versions of this scrumptious cake, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake's texture just right. 🌾❌

For a vegan variation, you can replace the eggs with flax or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tbsp seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Use vegan butter and vegan cream cheese for the glaze. 🌱💚

Faq

Why did my cake turn out dense and not fluffy?
Dense cakes can be the result of over-mixing your batter or not properly sifting the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix just until combined.
Can I use another type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or even almonds can be great substitutes for walnuts.
How do I know when my cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it's still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I add other spices to the cake?
Yes, feel free to add nutmeg, allspice, or even ginger for added depth in flavor.
What's the best way to store the leftover cake?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good mix before using it.