Nutty & Moist Carrot Cake
A Heartwarming Carrot Cake to Nourish Body and Soul
This recipe is for a delightful carrot cake, perfect for warming you up on a cold, snow-covered morning. It’s packed with the flavors and textures of walnuts, pecans, and sweet carrots, making it both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this comforting treat that’s good for both body and soul.
Cake Batter Ingredients- 3 large eggs
- 90g granulated sugar
- 30g honey or corn syrup
- 110g cake flour
- 5g ground cinnamon
- 4g baking powder
- 130g canola oil
- 100g carrots (finely grated or shredded)
- 50g walnuts (toasted and chopped)
- 50g pecans (toasted and chopped)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients- 200g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 20g granulated sugar
- 100g heavy cream (cold)
- 200g cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 20g granulated sugar
- 100g heavy cream (cold)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the walnuts and pecans. Rinse them briefly under running water to remove any debris. Then, toast them in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) for about 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly crisp. Once cooled, coarsely chop them. This step enhances the nuts’ flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
Step 2
Now, let’s gather all the ingredients for the cake batter. In one bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and honey (or corn syrup). In another bowl, sift together the cake flour, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. For the carrots, grate them finely or shred them thinly. The thickness of the shreds will affect the cake’s texture, so choose your preference. While preparing the ingredients, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
Step 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and honey (or corn syrup) on high speed using an electric mixer or a whisk. Continue whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop once the sugar has fully dissolved to avoid overmixing.
Step 4
Add the sifted dry ingredients (cake flour, cinnamon, baking powder) to the egg mixture. Gently fold them in using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and result in a tougher cake. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5
Pour in the canola oil (or your preferred neutral vegetable oil) and mix until well incorporated. The batter might look like it’s separating slightly as you add the oil, but keep mixing gently, and it will come together into a smooth consistency. The oil contributes to the cake’s wonderful moistness.
Step 6
Add the finely grated or shredded carrots to the batter. Stir them in thoroughly, ensuring there are no clumps and the carrots are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This ensures every bite of cake is infused with carrot goodness.
Step 7
Finally, fold in the toasted and chopped walnuts and pecans. Mix gently to distribute the nuts evenly within the batter. These nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 8
Prepare a 2-pound (approx. 18cm) cake pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for approximately 40 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so check periodically. Once baked, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 9
Now, let’s prepare the delicious cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar. Beat them together until smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 10
Pour in the cold heavy cream and whip the mixture using an electric mixer until it reaches your desired frosting consistency. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip, or simply use a spatula. Refrigerate the frosting until you are ready to decorate. Once the cake has completely cooled, frost it generously. Applying frosting to a cold cake helps prevent it from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
