Citrus Carrot Cake Recipe ๐ฅ๐๐ฐ
Overview:
This Citrus Carrot Cake recipe is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, infused with vibrant citrus flavors and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and irresistible taste. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it a winner all around!
- Name: Citrus Carrot Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Spring, Summer, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 1 9×13 cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 cups carrots, grated
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Additional walnuts for topping
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Add the orange zest, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice to the wet ingredients, mixing until incorporated.
- Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest, continuing to beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar in thirds, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- For an extra touch, garnish the frosted cake with additional chopped walnuts.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of this Citrus Carrot Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Decorate the cake with orange and green powdered sugar icing to create adorable carrot designs on top.
- This cake can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage. Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy Your Citrus Carrot Cake!
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Citrus Carrot Cake, perfect for any occasion or craving. With its moist texture, citrusy aroma, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this cake is bound to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite! ๐ฅ๐๐ฐ
