This Carrot Cake is so simple and tasty that you’ll find yourself making it multiple times a week! It’s packed with flavorful ingredients like grated carrots, walnuts, and a hint of orange zest, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Let’s walk through the steps to create this moist and delicious cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) flour
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) grated carrots
- 3/4 cup (90 g) walnuts, chopped (plus extra for decoration, as desired)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (to taste; you added a spicy mixture of 1 tablespoon)
For the Cream:
- 7-8 oz (200-225 g) cream cheese
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup (30-40 g) powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Grate the Carrots
- Prepare the carrots:
Start by finely grating 1 1/2 cups (180 g) of carrots. The finer the grate, the more moisture the carrots will release, resulting in a moist cake.
2. Zest the Orange
- Collect the zest:
Use a grater or zester to carefully collect the zest of 1 orange. This will add a refreshing citrus note to the cake.
3. Prepare the Walnuts
- Chop the walnuts:
Coarsely chop 3/4 cup (90 g) of walnuts. You can use a knife or a grinder for this. The texture of the walnuts adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
4. Beat Eggs and Sugar
- Mix the wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs and 3/4 cup (150 g) of sugar together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy cake.
5. Incorporate the Oil
- Add the oil:
Gradually add 1/3 cup (80 ml) of vegetable oil to the egg and sugar mixture, stirring well to ensure it’s fully incorporated. The oil helps keep the cake moist.
6. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- Prepare the dry mix:
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups (180 g) of flour, a pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and the spicy mixture (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg). This will evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, ensuring the cake rises well and is full of flavor.
7. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Combine the mixtures:
Add the grated carrots, orange zest, and chopped walnuts to the egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. - Fold in the dry ingredients:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
8. Bake to Perfection
- Prepare the baking tray:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and transfer the batter into it, spreading it evenly. - Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.
9. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Mix the frosting:
While the cake is baking, combine 7-8 oz (200-225 g) of cream cheese with 1/4 – 1/3 cup (30-40 g) of powdered sugar in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. You can add more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter frosting.
10. Baking and Serving
- Cool the cake:
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This step is important to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt and stays nice and thick on top of the cake. - Spread the frosting:
Generously spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cake using a spatula or knife to create an even layer. - Garnish with walnuts:
For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts over the frosted cake as desired. This adds extra texture and a beautiful presentation.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Protein: 5 g
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, quick, and delicious treat. The combination of grated carrots, orange zest, and spices creates a flavorful and moist cake that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy cheese frosting. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert or as a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful carrot cake!
