Discover the irresistible charm of these Carrot Cake Squares, each piece a perfect blend of moist cake and rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe offers a wonderfully tender carrot cake that's spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg, providing a warm, comforting flavor that's complemented by a lusciously smooth frosting. The ease of preparation and delightful taste make these squares a surefire hit for any gathering or a cozy night in.
Why You'll Love This:
This carrot cake recipe stands out for its simplicity and exceptional moistness, making it an ideal choice for those who love soft, flavorful cakes without the fuss of layering. The addition of Greek yogurt enriches the texture, making each bite satisfyingly dense yet soft. The spiced batter, combined with the fresh, sweet carrots, creates a cake that's delicious on its own but reaches new heights with the vanilla or orange-infused cream cheese frosting.
Perfect Occasion:
These carrot cake squares are perfect for picnics, potlucks, family desserts, or as a sweet treat during festive gatherings. They can be easily transported and shared, making them ideal for holiday celebrations, office parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Serve them at your next brunch or coffee break for a delightful treat that guests of all ages will adore.
Decoration Tips:
For a charming rustic look, spread the cream cheese frosting smoothly over the cooled cake and sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a more festive appearance, garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans, or decorate with edible flowers or carrot-shaped marzipan pieces. If using orange zest in the frosting, a few thin strips of orange zest can add a burst of color and enhance the citrusy aroma.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 200g vegetable or canola oil
- 165g brown sugar
- 150g white sugar (or use all brown sugar)
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 155g Greek or regular yogurt
- 250g finely grated carrot
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Frosting:
- 113g butter, room temperature
- 226g cold cream cheese
- 500g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or orange zest
Instructions:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat together oil and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in yogurt and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrot.
- Combine and Bake:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Pour the batter into a 20x20 cm square pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 177°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frosting:
- Beat powdered sugar at low speed until fine, then add cold cream cheese and vanilla or orange zest. Beat until creamy.
- Spread over the cooled cake.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares and serve. Optionally, garnish with additional spices, nuts, or edible decorations.
Enjoy these delightful Carrot Cake Squares, where each piece brings a taste of home-baked perfection, combining rich spices, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting for a truly memorable dessert experience!