Carrot Cake

Story behind the dish

There's something truly special about a homemade carrot cake – it’s the kind of treat that brings warmth to every bite and nostalgia to every slice. With its tender crumb, sweet and spicy aroma, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that has charmed hearts for generations. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply craving a comforting baked good, this carrot cake recipe is your perfect companion, bursting with wholesome grated carrots and crunchy walnuts. Baking this cake is a delightful way to fill your home with enticing scents and create a memory worth sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 ¼ cups (400 g) plain flour
• 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 2 ¾ cups (550 g) sugar
• 5 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups (500 g) grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) chopped walnuts
• 7 oz (200 g) cream cheese
• ¾ cup (150 g) caster sugar
• 7 oz (100 g) unsalted butter

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) or Gas Mark 3. Grease a 10-inch (26 cm) springform cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Sift in the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: beat the cream cheese, caster sugar, and butter together in a bowl until fluffy and creamy.
9. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake using a palette knife, creating a smooth, inviting layer.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For a lovely finishing touch, garnish the top with more chopped walnuts or a few curls of carrot for a decorative flair.
• This cake is best enjoyed the day after baking, so the flavors meld beautifully. Keep it refrigerated if not served immediately, and bring to room temperature before slicing for the perfect texture.

Closing thoughts

Baking this carrot cake is more than just creating a dessert—it's about crafting a warm, inviting centerpiece that fills your home with irresistible aromas. Every bite offers a delightful blend of moist cake, crunchy nuts, and tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a truly memorable treat for everyone at your table. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and indulge in the comforting joy of homemade carrot cake—your taste buds will thank you!