Embrace the essence of homemade delight with this exquisite Carrot & Nut Cake adorned with luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake combines the earthy flavors of carrots and nuts with the sweet richness of frosting, making it a perfect treat for any celebration or a cozy tea-time indulgence.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1⅓ cups cake flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 1½ cups sugar
- Dash of vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice of walnuts or pecans)
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 7 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cups icing sugar
- Dash of liquid vanilla
- Decoration:
- Caramel (store-bought or homemade)
- Additional chopped nuts for topping
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in a dash of vanilla extract and oil until well mixed.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the icing sugar and a dash of vanilla, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Decorate:
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
- Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with additional chopped nuts for decoration.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Tips:
- Ingredient Temperature: For the best results, ensure all your ingredients, especially those for the frosting, are at room temperature.
- Enhanced Flavor: Toast the nuts before adding them to the batter to deepen their flavor and add an extra crunch.
- Storage: This cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s covered to keep the frosting from drying out.
This Carrot & Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a cake but a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any special occasion or simply enjoying as a decadent treat.