Chocolate Job
Carrot Cake
Discover the ultimate carrot cake recipe for the best homemade carrot cake experience. This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a classic dessert that will delight your taste buds. With freshly grated carrots and a delectable cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is a must-try. Get creative with carrot cake decorations to make it visually appealing, whether it’s delicate carrot-shaped fondant accents or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and spices with this delicious homemade carrot cake that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Carrot cake:
- 1⅔ cups (335g) white sugar
- 1 cup (335g) brown sugar
- 2½ cups (300g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- 2 tsp (8g) baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp (8g) salt, kosher
- 1 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp (10mL) vanilla
- 1 cup (125g) pecans toasted. Or Walnuts
- 1 lb (450g) carrots shredded
- 3/4 cup (120 mL) apple sauce
For the Frosting:
- 16 oz (452g) cream cheese room temp
- 12 oz (340g) butter room temp
- 1 tsp (5mL) vanilla
- 1 3/4 lb (800g) confectioners sugar
For the Buttercream (optional):
- ½ cup (113g) salted butter room temperature
- 3 cups (350g) powdered sugar sifted
- food coloring orange and green
- Prep Time - 20 min.
- Cook Time - 1 h.
- Total Time - 1 h 20 min.
- Servings 12
- Author John Kanell
How to make Carrot Cake?
For the Carrot Cake:
1. To make the cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by placing a parchment round at the bottom of each pan, securing it with a small amount of butter. Then, generously butter the sides of the pans and lightly dust them with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. This will help create a perfect base for your delicious cake.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla. Beat them together until well blended and smooth. In a separate bowl, sift the dry ingredients and whisk them together. This will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and help create a light and fluffy texture for your cake.
3. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated evenly. In a separate bowl, toss the toasted pecans with 1 tablespoon of the dry mixture. This will help prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans into the batter until they are well distributed. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly among three 8-inch pans that have been buttered and lined with parchment paper. This will ensure that the cakes bake evenly and can be easily removed from the pans after baking.
5. Bake the cakes for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary, so it’s important to use the toothpick test to ensure they are fully baked. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cake layers cool completely in the pans. Place them on a wire rack to promote even cooling and prevent moisture buildup.
To make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth and creamy. Continue mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
For the Buttercream (optional):
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, using a spatula to fold it into the butter until it forms a thick and smooth paste that is pipable. Divide the buttercream into two batches, with a larger portion set aside to be colored orange and a smaller portion to be colored green.
For the Assembly:
1. Pipe a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting onto the first cooled cake layer, then place the second layer on top and repeat the process until the cake is fully assembled. To ensure stability, it is recommended to chill the cake for a while.
2. Cover the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing the sides and the top.
3. Gently press the chopped toasted pecans onto the lower part of the cake sides.
4. Using a large round tip (1A), pipe carrot shapes on the top of the cake, and then use a grass tip to pipe green carrot tops for added decoration.
For the Assembly:
- It’s crucial to measure the flour correctly to avoid adding too much. The recommended method is to use a scale. If you don’t have one, fluff the flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
- Properly preparing the cake pans will ensure easy release of the cake.
- Nuts can be omitted, but they add a delightful crunch and flavor. Walnuts and pecans work well in this recipe, so choose your preference.
- Toasting nuts is easy: spread them on a baking tray and bake at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir them after 5 minutes to ensure even toasting.
- Lightly dusting the nuts with some of the dry mixture prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- If you don’t have applesauce, chopped pineapple can be used as a substitute.
- Grating the carrots using the fine side of a box grater is recommended, but the larger holes or a food processor can also be used.
- If the frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Chilling the frosting slightly can also help firm it up.
- Refrigerating the cake for 15-20 minutes after filling the layers with frosting allows the layers to firm up before applying the final coat of frosting.
- Ensure that all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
Carrot Cake video recipe
Author of video content: Preppy Kitchen
The Best Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe: Moist and Flavorful Delight
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a homemade carrot cake with this classic carrot cake recipe. This recipe is a must-try for carrot cake enthusiasts, delivering the perfect balance of moistness and sweetness. The combination of freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting makes this carrot cake a true delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, this carrot cake is the ultimate choice. To add a personal touch, get creative with carrot cake decorations, such as carrot-shaped fondant toppers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Elevate your baking skills and treat yourself and your loved ones to the best carrot cake experience. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this classic dessert that will leave you coming back for more.
Looking for more sweet cake recipes?
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