Carrot cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness and spice one expects in a perfect dessert. This loaf-sized carrot cake, packed with fresh carrots and crunchy walnuts, is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a classic recipe with a charming twist, and even skeptics will find themselves converted!
Why You’ll Love This: This cake blends the earthy flavor of carrots with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts, creating a texture and taste sensation. The creamy frosting adds a layer of indulgence, making it a perfect balance of flavors that’s not overly sweet.
Perfect Occasion: This carrot cake loaf is ideal for tea parties, brunches, or as a comforting dessert after a family meal. It’s also wonderful for celebrations like birthdays and holidays, or simply as a treat to brighten a regular day.
Decoration Tips: For a lovely presentation, top the frosting with a light sprinkle of cinnamon, some extra walnuts, or even a few edible flowers for a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling festive, orange zest or carrot shavings make beautiful and thematic decorations.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1 cup (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- Approx. 150ml vegetable oil
- Vanilla essence to taste
- 2-3 carrots, grated (150g total)
- A handful of walnuts, chopped
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) cream cheese
- 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Vanilla essence to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla essence until well combined.
- Combine and Bake:
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts. The batter will be dense but ensure it’s well mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting:
- While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla essence until smooth and fluffy.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts for decoration.
Enjoy your carrot cake loaf, a wonderfully spiced and textured delight that promises to convert even the most reluctant into carrot cake fans!
