Carrot Cake (English-Style) Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings/Pieces: 10
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
This delicious and moist English-style carrot cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. With a rich, flavorful base made from grated carrots, a blend of warm spices, and a velvety icing, this cake will surely impress your guests. Let’s get started on creating this indulgent dessert for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots (peeled and grated) | 350g |
| Eggs | 6 |
| All-purpose flour | 300g |
| Vegetable oil | 350g |
| Sugar (granulated) | 350g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Baking soda | 10g |
| Ground cinnamon | 8g |
| Powdered sugar | 230g |
| Marzipan | 70g |
| Food coloring (yellow and red) | q.b. |
| Food coloring (green) | q.b. |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
- Begin by peeling the carrots, making sure to obtain approximately 330g of peeled carrots. Grate them finely and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
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Slowly pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to mix, ensuring the oil is well incorporated into the batter.
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Once the wet ingredients are well combined, stop the mixer and sift the flour into the bowl. Add the baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without over-mixing. This will help keep the cake light and fluffy.
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Gently fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Carrot Cake
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Grease a 28 cm round cake pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F) for 50 minutes. Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
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After 50 minutes, cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. If using a fan-assisted oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for 45 minutes.
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Once baked, remove the carrot cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
Step 4: Prepare the Icing
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until the icing is smooth and firm.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the carrot cake has completely cooled, transfer it to a serving plate. Use a spoon to spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the icing to set and dry slightly before moving on to the decoration.
Step 6: Make Marzipan Carrots for Decoration
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Divide the marzipan into two portions: one weighing 50g and the other 20g.
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To color the larger portion, add a drop of yellow food coloring and a drop of red food coloring. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands, and knead the marzipan until it turns a bright orange color.
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For the smaller portion, add a drop of green food coloring and knead until the marzipan turns a vibrant green color.
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Take about 5g of the orange marzipan for each carrot and roll it into a tapered shape resembling a carrot.
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With the green marzipan, divide it into small pieces (about 2g each) and roll them into small cone shapes for the carrot tops. Pinch the base to form the root ends of the leaves.
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Attach the green marzipan tops to the orange marzipan “carrots” by pressing them together gently. Use a small knife to separate the green marzipan into three smaller segments, resembling the individual carrot leaves.
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Once all your marzipan carrots are formed, arrange them on top of your carrot cake for a festive and creative decoration.
Serving Suggestion:
Slice and serve this carrot cake as a delightful dessert for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the moist texture, the spiced flavor, and the sweet marzipan decoration that makes each slice a true work of art!
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake:
- Make sure to use fresh, high-quality carrots for the best flavor.
- For a richer flavor, you can add nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the cake batter.
- If you prefer a more indulgent icing, try adding cream cheese to the frosting mixture for a tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Sugars | 46g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
This recipe for English-style carrot cake is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors, a moist texture, and the festive touch of marzipan. Perfect for any special occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!
