Carrot Cake

What is Carrot Cake?

Carrot cake is a moist, spiced dessert made primarily with grated carrots that add natural sweetness and texture. It often features a tender crumb and can be enhanced with nuts, raisins, or pineapple for extra flavor. Typically, it’s topped with a creamy frosting, often cream cheese based, making it a beloved classic in carrot dessert recipes.

This cake is a versatile treat that ranges from traditional layered cakes to denser carrot pound cakes or even chocolate carrot cakes, perfect for spring celebrations like Easter or any special gathering.

Ingrédients

• 2 tasses de farine tout usage
• 1 1/2 cuillère à café de levure chimique
• 1 cuillère à café de bicarbonate de soude
• 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cuillère à café de noix de muscade moulue
• 1/2 cuillère à café de gingembre moulu
• 3/4 de tasse de sucre cristallisé
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cuillères à café d'extrait de vanille
• 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Besoin de matériel de cuisine

• Bols à mélanger
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Grater or food processor for carrots
• Tasses et cuillères à mesurer
• 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
• Grille de refroidissement
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Four

How to Make Carrot Cake

Étape 1 :

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan(s).

Étape 2 :

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Étape 3 :

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and well combined.

Étape 4 :

Slowly add the oil and vanilla to the egg mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Étape 5 :

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Étape 6 :

Fold in the grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and raisins gently with a spatula.

Étape 7 :

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.

Étape 8 :

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Étape 9 :

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Étape 10 :

Once cool, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting and add carrot cake decorations if desired.

Quelques conseils !

• Make sure to grate the carrots finely to get that perfect moist texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Adding crushed pineapple boosts moisture and gives a subtle tropical twist.
• Use freshly ground spices for the best, warm flavor.
• For a chocolate carrot cake variation, add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh and moist, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.

What to Eat With

Carrot cake pairs wonderfully with classic beverages or light desserts. You can enjoy it with a hearty cup of coffee or a comforting hot chocolate. For a delightful dessert spread, try pairing it with recipes like chocolate-covered Oreo cookies or raspberry lemon loaf cake, which complement its spiced sweetness beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

This carrot cake recipe is a sweet, moist treat that brings classic comfort and versatile carrot cake ideas right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making a carrot pound cake, a chocolate carrot cake twist, or the best carrot cake ever for Easter, this recipe delivers every time. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!