Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake ๐ฅ๐ฐ
What is it?
Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tropical flavor of coconut. Itโs a delightful fusion of flavors and textures thatโs perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations.
History:
The exact origin of this cake is unclear, but carrot cakes have a rich history dating back to at least the Middle Ages when sugar and sweeteners were scarce. People would use sweet vegetables like carrots to create desserts. The combination of carrots and coconut is believed to have been popularized in the United States during the mid-20th century. The cake has since become a beloved classic.
Components:
- Carrots: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange color.
- Coconut: This can be in the form of shredded coconut, coconut flakes, or even coconut milk for added flavor.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is typically used as the base for the cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents make the cake rise.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are common spices that enhance the flavor.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil is often used for moisture.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for a crunchy texture.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic choice for topping the cake, usually made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Grate the carrots and set them aside. If using fresh coconut, grate it as well.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). Mix well.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the oil. Mix until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth. Then, fold in the grated carrots and coconut. If you like, add chopped nuts.
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Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting. You can decorate with more coconut or nuts if desired.
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Serve: Slice and serve your Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake to your family and friends, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Time Needed:
The preparation time for Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake can vary, but on average, it takes about 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix the batter, and then around 30-35 minutes to bake the cake. Cooling time and frosting may add an extra hour. So, in total, you should allocate approximately 2 hours for preparation and baking.
This cake is worth the time and effort, and itโs sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering! ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐
Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a standard serving, without frosting):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (based on ingredients and serving size).
- Fat: The cake can be moderately high in fat due to the oil and nuts. Each serving may have around 15-20 grams of fat.
- Carbohydrates: Carrot cake is relatively high in carbohydrates due to sugar and flour. A slice might contain 50-60 grams of carbs.
- Protein: The protein content is relatively low, with about 4-6 grams per serving.
- Fiber: Carrots provide some dietary fiber, offering around 2-3 grams per serving.
Health Information:
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Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, a healthy immune system, and skin health.
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Coconut: Coconut can provide healthy fats, but it is calorie-dense. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of saturated fat. MCTs are metabolized differently from long-chain fats and have been associated with various health benefits, including potential weight management.
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Nuts: Nuts like walnuts or pecans offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
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Sugar: Carrot cakes typically contain a moderate amount of sugar. Itโs important to consume sugar in moderation, as excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues like obesity and dental problems.
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Calories: The calorie content of the cake can vary based on ingredients and portion size. Itโs important to be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese frosting, commonly used on carrot cakes, can be high in saturated fat and sugar. Consider using it in moderation or opting for a lighter frosting.
While Aunt Adaโs Carrot-Coconut Cake can be a delightful treat, itโs best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and sugar content. Incorporating more carrots and nuts into your diet can be a nutritious choice, and choosing healthier frosting options can make this cake a better choice for those looking to manage their overall dietary intake. ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐