Are you craving a deliciously moist and subtly spiced carrot cake? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the culinary queen Mary Berry herself, delivers a classic carrot cake experience that's surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weekend baking project or a delightful treat for unexpected guests, this homemade carrot cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that's both rewarding and delicious! This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a healthy meal option with a delightful twist.
Ingredients:
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For the cake:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 200g light brown soft sugar
- 175ml vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 200g grated carrots
- 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 50g raisins or sultanas (optional)
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For the cream cheese frosting:
- 100g softened cream cheese
- 200g icing sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour two 20cm round cake tins. This ensures your cake will rise beautifully and won’t stick to the sides.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- Add the sugar, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Beat well until thoroughly combined. A hand mixer is helpful but not essential.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using). Don't overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins.
Baking the Cake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes.
Preparing the Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Carrot Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the frosting evenly over the top.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Serving Suggestions:
This delicious carrot cake is best served at room temperature. You can garnish with extra walnuts, pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy this healthy and delicious dish as a delightful dessert or even as a quick breakfast treat!
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't overmix the batter.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Variations:
- Add chopped apples or pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.
- Use different spices, such as ginger or cardamom.
- Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
- Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. These delicious dishes are perfect for a healthy meal, quick dinner ideas, and satisfying your cravings for homemade cooking. These best recipes are also perfect as easy recipes for beginners!