Carrot Cake Parfait with Custard and Strawberries
Description:
Delight in the layers of moist, whole wheat carrot cake, velvety custard, and a vibrant strawberry compote! This Carrot Cake Parfait with Custard and Strawberries is an irresistible dessert, perfect for any occasion. The fresh, sweet flavors of strawberries and the comforting, spiced carrot cake blend beautifully in this simple yet stunning treat. Easy to assemble, this dessert will become an instant favorite and an eye-catching centerpiece on your dessert table!
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar (granulated) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Oil | 3/4 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 3 |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Carrots (Gajjar), shredded | 3 cups |
| Sultana Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Almonds (Badam), silvered | 1/4 cup |
For the Custard
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Custard Powder (vanilla-flavored) | 4 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
For the Strawberry Compote
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | 15 |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
For Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strawberries (for garnish) | As required |
| Walnuts (chopped) | As required |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | As required |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 13×9 inch pan, then set aside.
- Beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs using an electric beater, until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending them on low speed for about 1 minute.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and sultana raisins. If you’re using nuts, add them at this point as well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- Mix the custard powder with 1/4 cup of milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, making sure there are no lumps, and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining 1-3/4 cups of milk over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Slowly add the custard powder mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Let it simmer for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Allow the custard to cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a film from forming on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Compote
- Wash and chop the strawberries into 2-3 pieces each.
- Place the chopped strawberries into a saucepan, sprinkle with sugar, and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the strawberries soften and become mushy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the compote cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Parfaits
- Break up the carrot cake into bite-sized chunks that will fit into the parfait glasses.
- Begin layering in each dessert glass: start with a few pieces of carrot cake at the bottom.
- Add a spoonful of strawberry compote over the cake, covering it completely.
- Gently spoon custard over the compote layer and spread it evenly.
- Repeat the layers until the parfait glasses are full, finishing with a layer of custard on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and a dusting of cinnamon powder for added flavor and texture.
- Cover the parfait glasses with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or until ready to serve).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Just before serving, garnish the parfaits with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of walnuts and cinnamon powder for a lovely touch.
- Serve and enjoy the Carrot Cake Parfait with Custard and Strawberries as a delicious dessert after a flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this decadent dessert with a flavorful Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and a fresh Margherita Pizza for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The lightness of the parfait, with its creamy custard and fruity compote, balances wonderfully with savory Italian dishes.
This Carrot Cake Parfait with Custard and Strawberries is a delightful treat for any special occasion or even a weekday dessert to brighten your day. Its layers of rich, moist carrot cake, smooth custard, and tangy strawberry compote make it a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of whole wheat flour adds a slightly wholesome twist to the traditional carrot cake. Perfect for those looking to indulge in a luxurious yet simple dessert!
