Celebrate the flavors of fall with this Classic Autumn Carrot Cake, perfectly spiced and irresistibly moist. This cake is a harmonious blend of fresh carrots, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a luxurious cream cheese frosting. It's simple to prepare and delivers a comforting, homemade taste that epitomizes autumn baking.
Why You'll Love This Cake: This Carrot Cake stands out for its rich texture and deep, spiced flavor profile. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg offers a warming sensation with each bite, while the carrots provide a natural sweetness and moistness that's hard to beat. The addition of walnuts introduces a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy frosting. It’s the perfect cake for those who appreciate a dessert that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Perfect Occasion: This Carrot Cake is ideal for a variety of autumn occasions, including family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and festive potlucks. It's also a popular choice for birthdays and other special events during the fall season. With its appealing look and exquisite taste, it's sure to be the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Ingredients: For the cake:
- 4 eggs
- 300 ml sunflower oil
- 280 g granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 290 g all-purpose flour
- 230 g grated carrots
- 130 g finely chopped walnuts
For the frosting:
- 500 g cream cheese
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration Tips: The cake can be beautifully decorated with a smooth layer of cream cheese frosting. For an artistic touch, sprinkle the top with additional chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon. For a more festive look, consider adorning the frosting with small marzipan carrots or drizzling it with a caramel sauce.
Preparation Steps:
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sunflower oil, sugar, and spices until well combined and creamy.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a prepared round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate as desired.
Enjoy this Classic Autumn Carrot Cake, a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season with every spiced, moist bite!