Enjoy a delightful treat with this moist carrot and orange cake, perfect for rainy afternoons or any time you crave a comforting dessert. The combination of sweet carrots and zesty orange creates a beautifully balanced flavor, while the rich butter adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with a tangy orange glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite for all occasions.
Why You'll Love This: You’ll love this carrot and orange cake for its unique combination of flavors and its incredibly moist texture. The sweetness of the carrots perfectly complements the bright citrus notes from the orange juice and zest. The orange glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite burst with freshness. This cake is easy to make and yields consistently delicious results, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.
Perfect Occasion: This carrot and orange cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations. It’s an excellent choice for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a dessert for a special dinner. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is sure to please.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also decorate with thin slices of orange or small edible flowers for a pop of color. If you’re feeling creative, drizzle the orange glaze in a decorative pattern over the top of the cake. Adding a few candied carrot slices can also enhance the visual appeal and give a hint of what’s inside.
Ingredients (for a 24x11 cm pan):
For the Cake:
- 120g butter, softened
- 160g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 180g carrots
- 50g orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 210g all-purpose flour
- 9g baking powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Syrup:
- 50g orange juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Orange Glaze:
- 3 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) with heat from both top and bottom. Grease or line a 24x11 cm loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Peel and cut the carrots into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar and orange zest until light and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the cooked carrots with the orange juice until smooth. Add this carrot puree to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the orange juice and sugar. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup.
Glaze and Finish:
- Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork. Pour the syrup over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Once the cake is warm or completely cool, prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice, adding the juice gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Enjoy your moist carrot and orange cake with a tangy orange glaze!