Spiced Carrot Walnut Cake with Chocolate
Overview
This Spiced Carrot Walnut Cake is a delightful, moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether as an afternoon tea treat or a comforting snack. The combination of earthy carrots, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a rich chocolate topping brings this cake to a new level of indulgence. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and just a little preparation time.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1-1/4 cups | Sifted |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon | Ground |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon | Ground |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Carrots (Gajjar) – grated | 2 cups | Fresh, finely grated |
| Sunflower Oil | 1/2 cup | |
| Whole Eggs | 2 | |
| Walnuts – toasted | 1/4 cup | Chopped or coarsely ground |
| Dark Chocolate – chopped | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round or square baking dish with butter, ensuring that all sides are well-coated. Dust the greased dish with a thin layer of flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick during baking. -
Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cardamom powder, and cinnamon powder. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well mixed and aerated, preventing clumps in the batter. -
Add Wet Ingredients
To the sifted dry ingredients, add the sugar, grated carrots, sunflower oil, eggs, and toasted walnuts. Using a hand mixer, beat all the ingredients together on medium speed until everything is well combined and the batter appears smooth and homogeneous. The carrots will provide moisture, while the walnuts will give it a lovely crunch. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a slight spring-back should occur when touched lightly. -
Cool the Cake
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up a bit and makes it easier to remove from the pan. -
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate topping. Place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt it gently using a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each interval, until it becomes smooth and glossy. -
Assemble and Serve
Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the melted chocolate over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. -
Enjoy!
Serve the Spiced Carrot Walnut Cake with Chocolate as a delightful afternoon snack, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for packing in lunchboxes for kids or as a comforting dessert after dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Spiced Carrot Walnut Cake
- Grate the Carrots Finely: The finer the carrots are grated, the smoother the texture of the cake. You can use a box grater or a food processor to achieve this.
- Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a richer taste to the cake. Be sure not to burn them – a quick dry toast in a pan or a few minutes in the oven should be sufficient.
- Customize with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or cardamom according to your taste preference. You could also add nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Top with More Toppings: If you like, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50 g |
| Sugars | ~30 g |
| Fat | ~15 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
This cake is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of carrots and the richness of walnuts, while the dark chocolate adds an indulgent touch. With a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or an easy-to-make snack, this Spiced Carrot Walnut Cake with Chocolate is a versatile and delicious option.
