This Carrot Almond Cake, also known as "Torta Camilla," is a wonderfully moist and tender cake that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with the nuttiness of ground almonds. Enhanced by a hint of orange, this cake is light yet flavorful, making it the perfect dessert or snack for any time of day. The combination of finely grated carrots and citrus adds a refreshing brightness, while the ground almonds give it a subtle richness. Best of all, this cake is simple to prepare, with ingredients that come together easily for a delightful homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This cake is a celebration of simplicity and natural flavors. You’ll love how moist and tender the texture is, thanks to the fresh carrots and almonds. The orange juice adds a citrusy brightness that complements the earthy sweetness of the carrots, while the almonds add a touch of richness and a delightful texture. This recipe is not overly sweet, allowing the fresh, wholesome ingredients to shine through. It’s also versatile enough to serve as a light breakfast cake, an afternoon snack, or a delicate dessert to enjoy after dinner. And because it’s made with just a few basic ingredients, it’s an easy, fuss-free cake that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Perfect Occasion:
This Carrot Almond Cake is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a homemade treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a simple dessert to serve after dinner. Its light and refreshing flavor makes it a great option for spring or summer gatherings, though it’s delicious year-round. It’s perfect for family get-togethers, brunches, or even as a healthier sweet option for children. The cake’s bright orange color and delicate dusting of powdered sugar give it a lovely appearance that makes it great for more formal occasions too, like tea parties or celebrations.
Decoration Tips:
Once the cake has cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar will give it a beautiful finish without overpowering the delicate flavors. For a more polished look, you can garnish it with a few thin slices of orange or a sprinkle of chopped almonds around the edges. To add an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice over the top. If you’re serving the cake for a special occasion, consider decorating it with edible flowers or even adding a few decorative carrot shavings on top for a fun, thematic look.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 110 g granulated sugar
- 190 g raw carrots, finely grated
- 60 g ground almonds
- 30 ml fresh orange juice
- 140 g all-purpose flour
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 1 packet (about 16 g) of baking powder
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 170°C (340°F) on fan mode.
- Prepare the ingredients: Blend the raw carrots until finely grated, and chop or grind the almonds into fine pieces. Squeeze the juice from a fresh orange, ensuring you have about 30 ml.
Directions:
- Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together for a few minutes until the mixture becomes pale and frothy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Gradually pour in the vegetable oil and the freshly squeezed orange juice, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the grated carrots and ground almonds to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then, sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, folding the ingredients together until you have a smooth, well-blended batter.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a cake tin (about 22 cm in diameter) or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for a light, sweet finish.
Enjoy this moist and flavorful Carrot Almond Cake, perfect for any time of day!