Are you craving a moist, spiced cake that's bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Jamaican carrot cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a unique blend of warming spices and the sweetness of carrots, making it a perfect dessert or even a delicious breakfast treat. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for homemade cooking and a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or special occasion meals. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica with this incredibly delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (Jamaican is best!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional but highly recommended!)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won't stick and will bake evenly.
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients, making it easier to incorporate them later.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the wet ingredients base for your cake.
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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.
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Stir in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and crushed pineapple (if using). The addition of pineapple provides a lovely juicy texture and a delightful tang.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your delicious frosting.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat until well combined.
Frosting and Serving:
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Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
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Slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade Jamaican carrot cake! This delightful cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra moist cake, add a 1/2 cup of applesauce to the batter.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits. Raisins or coconut would be delicious additions.
- If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can substitute with another fruit like chopped apples or peaches.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator. However, this cake is generally a source of carbohydrates from the carrots and sugar, some healthy fats from the oil and nuts (if added), and protein from the eggs. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This Jamaican carrot cake recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, moist and delicious – a true taste of paradise! Enjoy this healthy meal alternative, a wonderful addition to your best recipes collection.