Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This carrot cake poke cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe delivers a delicious and easy dessert experience that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Poke Cake Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won't stick and allows for easy removal.
Making the Carrot Cake:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Preparing the Poke Holes & Filling:
- While the cake is still warm, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This creates channels for the delicious cream filling to soak into.
- In a medium bowl, whip together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently spoon the whipped cream mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Frosting & Serving:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Once the whipped cream filling has absorbed slightly, frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
Cooking Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Poke Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter. This prevents a tough cake.
- Use fresh, grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking the holes to prevent the cake from crumbling.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Get creative with your fillings! Try a caramel or chocolate pudding instead of whipped cream.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the cake batter for extra warmth.
- Add some zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Chocolate lovers rejoice: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting into the batter before baking for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy carrot cake poke cake recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's a perfect homemade dessert that's both delicious and simple to make, ideal for those quick dinner ideas or special occasions. Enjoy!