Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe Introduction: Spiced Carrot Cake Bliss!

Ever find yourself craving something proper British baking but with a twist? Honestly, who doesn’t love a good carrot cake ? This isn't just any easy carrot cake recipe ; it's a moist carrot cake experience.

Quick Hook

This spiced carrot cake recipe is packed with warm spices and a dreamy cream cheese frosting . It's perfect if you are thinking of what can I make with carrots.

Brief Overview

Classic carrot cake has roots in medieval Europe, when carrots were used as a sweetener. This recipe is medium difficulty, taking around 2 hours total.

It yields about 12 slices, perfect for sharing, but don't be surprised if you want it all to yourself!

Main Benefits

Carrots are packed with beta carotene, good for your eyesight. This cake is ideal for afternoon tea or a special occasion. What makes it special? It's a hug in cake form.

Let's Talk About Carrots!

I always go for grating my own carrots . Honestly, the pre-shredded stuff never seems to have the same flavor. Plus, you can sneak a few nibbles while you're at it, you know? Aim for about six medium carrots ; packed, you want a good amount.

What You Will Need: Cake Ingredients

Now, for the goods! You'll need flour, baking soda, and all those yummy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Don't forget the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

If you fancy, chuck in some walnuts or pecans and a handful of raisins. These tasty sides of flavor add so much dimension!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this amazing Spiced Carrot Cake recipe ! We're making a classic, but with a little extra somethin'-somethin'.

Honestly, this cake is so good. Even I can't believe it! What Can I Make With Carrots, you ask? This, my friend, is what.

Main Ingredients Sorted

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Measurements are important. This ain't Mary Berry's technical challenge, but close!

• Flour: 2 cups (250g) . Plain flour does the trick.
• Baking Soda: 2 teaspoons . Bicarbonate of soda, if you're feeling fancy.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon , 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg , 1/4 teaspoon cloves . Ground, obviously.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) . Granulated is best.
• Oil: 3/4 cup (180ml) . Vegetable or canola.
• Eggs: 4 large . Free range, if you can.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
• Carrots: 3 cups (300g) grated. About 6 medium carrots . These are your ticket to delicious vegetable side dishes.
• Nuts (Optional): 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Raisins (Optional): 1/2 cup (60g) .

For the frosting, which is literally the best bit:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) . Full fat, softened.
• Butter: 1/2 cup (115g) . Unsalted, softened.
• Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (480g) . Sifted, for smoothness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
• Milk: 2-4 tablespoons . For perfect consistency.

When it comes to carrots , fresher is better. Look for firm, brightly colored carrots without any cracks. Tasty Sides can be made with these carrots .

Pre-shredded carrots ? Avoid them! Grate your own. Trust me. The flavor is worth it. And honestly, it's not even that hard.

Homemade carrot cake is the best.

Seasoning Magic

This spiced carrot cake recipe needs the right flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are a classic trio. They bring that warm, cozy vibe.

Think autumn bonfire night in cake form. You can add a pinch of ginger or allspice too. It makes it super cozy! For me, this combination is essential for a truly moist carrot cake.

Equipment Sorted

Don't need anything crazy. Just the basics.

• Two 9 inch round cake pans .
• Parchment paper. Optional, but helpful.
• Electric mixer. Stand or hand.
• Large mixing bowls.
• Rubber spatula.
• Grater.
• Wire rack.

Don't have cake pans? Use a square baking dish! No mixer? A whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick.

The important thing is to have fun with this easy carrot cake recipe . I once tried making this without a grater.

That was a mistake . Learn from my pain! This classic carrot cake is worth it.

Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Proper Treat

Honestly, who doesn't love a good carrot cake? This recipe is my go-to for birthdays or when I just need a bit of comfort baking.

It's not just a cake, it's a hug in dessert form! So, let's get baking! This recipe elevates the classic carrot cake with a blend of warm spices and a touch of sophistication, making it the perfect treat for afternoon tea.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. This is essential, trust me. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. Get all your ingredients measured out 2 cups of flour, spices, 3 cups of carrots , you know the drill.

Having everything ready saves you from that mid-bake panic. What Can I Make With Carrots ? A Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes, of course!.

step-by-step: Baking Made Easy

1. Whisk Dry: Whisk together 2 cups of flour , baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Beat Wet: Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold In: Gently fold in the 3 cups of carrots , nuts and raisins (if using).
5. Bake: Pour into pans and bake for 50- 60 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean!
6. Cool: Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack.
7. Frost: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar and vanilla, then milk to desired consistency.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cake

Don't overmix the batter! Seriously. It'll ruin the texture. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened so your Cream cheese frosting is lump free.

Another tip? Toast your nuts before adding them. It brings out the flavour. Looking to have a Spiced carrot cake recipe? Now you know.

Oh my gosh, once you try this moist carrot cake , you’ll never look at a shop bought one the same way. It's perfect with a cup of tea. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Spiced Carrot Cake

Right, so you're about to embark on this classic carrot cake journey. Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to keep in mind.

Honestly, these are the things I wish I'd known the first time I baked one. So, let's talk about a moist carrot cake!

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous cake. Now what? Well, presentation is key , darling. I like to dust mine with a little extra powdered sugar.

It makes it look all fancy. Alternatively, you can create small Tasty Sides by sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans around the plate.

As for drinks? A lovely cup of tea is always a winner. Or, if you're feeling a bit posh, a glass of dessert wine.

Oh, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes, please. This is What Can I Make With Carrots to create a moment, not just a dessert.

Storing Your Deliciousness for Later

Right, let's talk storage. If you've got any leftover cake and honestly, I'd be surprised if you do wrap it tightly in cling film.

Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it.

Just wrap each slice individually. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating? Not really necessary.

A slice of cold Homemade carrot cake is just as delicious. I love to serve it with Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes , like a salad.

Mixing it Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a bit of a change? No worries, luv. You could add a cup of crushed pineapple to the batter for a tropical twist.

Or, if you're catering to vegans, use applesauce instead of eggs. There are even vegan cream cheese frosting options out there.

Another fun idea is to play around with the spices. A pinch of ginger or allspice can really warm things up.

Seasonal swaps? In the autumn, try using grated parsnip along with the carrots for a lovely earthy flavour.

Nutrition Basics (The Fun Version)

Alright, so let's be real. This is cake, yeah? It's not exactly a health food. That said, it does have carrots in it.

So, you're getting a bit of vitamin A. Plus, nuts provide some healthy fats. But basically, it's a Spiced carrot cake recipe .

Embrace it and enjoy! Each slice is around 450-500 calories. There's about 5g of protein, 25g of fat, 55g of carbs, and 35g of sugar.

But hey, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right?

And that's it, my friend! I really hope this helps you bake the best Easy carrot cake recipe ever. You can do it.

Just remember to have fun, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's all part of the Carrot cake baking tips learning process! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my carrot cake dry, and how can I prevent this next time?

A dry carrot cake is a common baking woe, a bit like soggy bottoms on the Great British Baking Show! It's often due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately, and don't overmix the batter.

Also, consider adding a little extra oil or applesauce to the recipe for added moisture, or checking for doneness a little earlier next time a toothpick should come out clean, but with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Can I make carrot cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Absolutely! Carrot cake is often even better the next day as the flavors meld together, a bit like a good stew. Store unfrosted carrot cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Frosted carrot cake should always be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. To avoid a soggy cake, ensure the cake is properly cooled before storing it, and use an airtight container.

I'm not a fan of nuts or raisins. Can I leave them out of the carrot cake without affecting the recipe?

Yes, you can certainly leave out the nuts and raisins! They add texture and flavor, but omitting them won't significantly alter the cake's structure. You might consider adding a bit more grated carrots to compensate for the lost volume, or perhaps try a different addition, like some finely shredded coconut, just for a bit of something different.

What are some good variations on this spiced carrot cake recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Consider adding a cup of crushed pineapple (drained) for a tropical carrot cake. You could also get creative with the spices; a pinch of ground ginger or allspice will give it an extra warm and cozy vibe.

For a real treat, swirl some salted caramel sauce into the frosting it's devilishly delicious!

What kind of carrots work best in this carrot cake recipe?

Fresh, whole carrots are always the best option for this recipe, and avoid using baby carrots since they tend to be too dry. Opt for large, firm carrots and grate them yourself. This ensures they retain their moisture and release the most flavor into your cake.

Plus, it avoids the preservatives sometimes found in pre-shredded carrots.

Is carrot cake healthy? What are the nutritional benefits of eating carrots in carrot cake?

While carrot cake is a treat and not a health food, the carrots do add some nutritional value! Carrots are packed with beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, important for vision and immune function. Remember that moderation is key and enjoy it as a delicious indulgence.