Carrot Cake Recipe – A Deliciously Moist Dessert
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
This carrot cake is a delightful combination of fresh, tender carrots and rich flavors that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. With a subtle hint of vanilla and the richness of almond flour, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a special celebration. Here’s how you can make it step by step.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots | 300g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 300g |
| Almond flour | 50g |
| Sugar | 180g |
| Sunflower oil | 90g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Vanilla bean | ½ pod |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Carrots:
- Start by thoroughly washing the carrots under cold running water. Peel them using a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin. Once peeled, grate the carrots finely using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated carrots in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl and gently press them with a spoon to release some of their moisture.
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Start mixing on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes.
-
Add the Vanilla:
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife and scrape out the seeds. Add these seeds to the egg and sugar mixture for that aromatic vanilla flavor. Continue whisking for another minute to ensure the vanilla is evenly incorporated.
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Once sifted, gently fold in a pinch of salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a spatula after each addition. Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, slowly add the sunflower oil while continuing to mix until the batter is smooth.
-
Add the Carrots:
- Now, carefully fold the grated carrots into the batter. Use a spatula to gently combine, making sure the carrots are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
-
Prepare the Pan:
- Take a 24 cm (9-inch) round springform pan and grease it with butter. Line the base with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to level the surface.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) if using a static (conventional) oven, or 150°C (300°F) for a fan (convection) oven. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If using a fan oven, start checking the cake after 35-40 minutes.
-
Check for Doneness:
- To ensure the cake is fully baked, test with a skewer or toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), the cake is done. If it still looks wet, give it another 5 minutes and test again.
-
Cool the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This will allow the cake to set and retain its moisture. Once cooled, gently remove the springform sides and transfer the cake to a serving plate.
-
Decorate:
- To finish, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a delicate touch. If you wish, you can also add some extra grated carrots or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence.
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake:
- Carrot Consistency: Make sure to remove excess moisture from the grated carrots, as too much liquid can make the cake dense.
- Vanilla Flavor: Fresh vanilla beans give a wonderful aromatic touch, but you can substitute them with high-quality vanilla extract if needed.
- Bake Time Variations: Oven temperatures can vary, so always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or chopped walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. With a light crumb and perfect balance of sweetness, it will quickly become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed as a cozy afternoon snack with tea or as the centerpiece of a celebratory table, this cake will not disappoint!
