Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This carrot pecan cake recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, with a delightful texture that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed for easy homemade cooking, delivering delicious dishes without the fuss. This is one of those best recipes that’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients evenly, preventing clumps in your batter.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Add carrots and pecans: Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans. Folding incorporates the ingredients without deflating the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is perfectly baked through.
Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and allows for even spreading.
Make the frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Frost and serve: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Slice and serve! This easy recipe makes a perfect addition to any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a ½ cup of raisins or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- If you don't have pecans, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of sugar.
- To make individual cakes, bake the batter in muffin tins for about 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This carrot pecan cake is a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion. Its easy recipe makes it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, ensuring a delightful homemade experience every time. Enjoy!