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Delicious Homemade Carrot Cake

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

Enjoy the cozy delight of a classic carrot cake. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together fresh carrots, warm spices, and crunchy nuts. It's a breeze to bake and a hit for any family gathering. With its moist texture and rich taste, it's the perfect treat for fans of traditional desserts.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:08:10 GMT
Yummy Carrot Cake Pin it
Yummy Carrot Cake | Tastyhush.com

This classic Ottolenghi carrot cake perfectly balances sweet carrots, warming spices, and creamy frosting. The recipe has become a kitchen staple, transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that never fails to impress guests.

At recent family gatherings, this carrot cake has been the star dessert. Even those skeptical of vegetable-based desserts ask for seconds after tasting its light texture and subtle flavors.

Key Ingredients

* Carrots - Use fresh organic carrots, freshly grated. Their natural moisture is essential for texture

* Cream Cheese - Philadelphia brand works best for frosting, providing ideal firmness

* Spices - Freshness matters. Replace spices every 6 months for best flavor

* Coconut - Choose unsweetened, freshly grated if possible for subtle tropical notes

Detailed Instructions

1. Base Preparation
Preheat oven to 300°F with fan. This moderate temperature ensures even baking while maintaining moisture. Thoroughly grease the pan.
2. Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices together. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
3. Wet Mixture
Beat oil and sugar for one minute in mixer. Add egg and yolk precisely. Beat one additional minute on high for perfect aeration.
4. Combining Ingredients
Fold in grated carrots, nuts and coconut evenly. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients using gentle folding motions.
5. Final Touch
Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form with a pinch of salt. Fold in gently to maintain air bubbles for lightness.

Fresh grated carrots make a significant difference in this recipe. Their natural moisture contributes to the cake's perfect texture.

Frosting Technique

Frosting requires precise temperature control. Ingredients too cold create lumps, while too warm makes spreading impossible.

Cooling Period

Always cool cake completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures proper frosting consistency.

Presentation Tips

Decoration adds important textural contrast. Chopped nuts provide crunch against the cake's softness.

Traditional Carrot Cake Recipe Pin it
Traditional Carrot Cake Recipe | Tastyhush.com

Serving Time

This cake tastes best the day after baking, once flavors have fully developed. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

This carrot cake represents the perfect blend of traditional baking and modern innovation. Ottolenghi's recipe creates a truly memorable dessert that continues to delight with every serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I store the carrot cake?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll stay good for 3-4 days.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yep, you can freeze it without the frosting for 2-3 months.
→ What are some variations I can try?
Toss in some raisins or switch out walnuts for almonds—it’s up to you!
→ Is this recipe hard to make?
Not at all! It's simple enough for even baking beginners.
→ How many people does this serve?
It’s just right for about 4 people.

Easy Carrot Cake

This tasty carrot cake is soft and full of flavor, perfect as a snack or dessert.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 160 g of all-purpose flour
02 2 g baking powder
03 2.5 g of baking soda
04 0.7 g ground cloves
05 3 g of ground cinnamon

→ Wet and Fresh Ingredients

06 1 whole egg
07 1 egg yolk
08 2 egg whites
09 A pinch of salt
10 200 g of vegetable oil

→ Extra Ingredients

11 270 g of granulated sugar
12 50 g of chopped walnuts
13 135 g of grated carrots
14 50 g of shredded coconut

→ For the Frosting

15 175 g of cream cheese (Philadelphia-style)
16 70 g of softened butter
17 35 g of powdered sugar
18 25 g of honey
19 Vanilla extract to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.

Step 02

Whisk the oil with sugar for about a minute. Then stir in the whole egg and the yolk.

Step 03

Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. Slowly combine this with the dry mixture.

Step 04

Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently mix into the batter.

Step 05

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Blend in the softened butter, powdered sugar, and honey. Add a dash of vanilla if you'd like.

Step 06

Bake at 150°C for one hour on the middle rack.

Step 07

Let the cake cool completely. Spread frosting on top. If you want, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts for decoration.

Notes

  1. Make sure to grease the cake pan really well before baking.
  2. Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added.
  3. Keep it fresh for up to three days in a cool spot.
  4. It's perfect for a snack or a sweet treat after meals!

Tools You'll Need

  • Cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts
  • Contains dairy products

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 6 g