Delve into the comforting flavors of this Divine Single Layer Carrot Cake, a classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This cake combines the rich, earthy taste of carrots with warm spices and the crunch of pecans, all topped with a creamy and indulgent cream cheese frosting. Simple to make yet impressively delicious, this carrot cake is ideal for those who appreciate a less complicated, yet flavorful dessert.
Why You'll Love This
This Carrot Cake is a delight for its moist texture and perfect blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, which provide a warm and inviting flavor. The addition of finely grated carrots and chopped pecans adds both moisture and a satisfying texture to every bite. The cream cheese frosting is smoothly luscious, making it a perfect complement to the spiced cake base.
Perfect Occasion
This cake is wonderfully suited for smaller gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a festive dessert for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. Its straightforward recipe and single-layer presentation make it an accessible option for bakers of all skill levels who want to impress without the stress of a multi-layered cake.
Decoration Tips
For an elegant finish, top the cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon. Consider adding a few edible flowers or carrot shavings for a more decorative presentation. If serving for a special occasion, place the cake on a vintage cake stand to elevate the elegance of your dessert table.
- Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon each of ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1-½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Frosting:
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Extra chopped pecans for topping
- Cake:
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Combine with flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices until nearly smooth.
- Stir in carrots and pecans, then pour into an 8-inch cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream and beat until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake and sprinkle with pecans.
Enjoy this exquisite carrot cake, where each slice offers a taste of homestyle comfort enhanced by a nutty crunch!