Savor the rich, moist goodness of this Ultimate Carrot Cake, perfectly paired with a silky cream cheese frosting. A blend of warm spices, fresh carrots, and a hint of citrus make this cake an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe guides you through creating a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Get ready to impress with this sophisticated yet comforting dessert.
Why You’ll Love This: This carrot cake recipe brings a delightful twist to the classic, incorporating not just the traditional warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg but also the bright notes of orange and lemon zest. The result is a moist, flavorful cake with a creamy frosting that balances sweetness and tanginess perfectly. It’s a versatile dessert that’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as a weekend baking project, this carrot cake shines in any setting. Its elegant presentation, topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with nuts and citrus zest, makes it a standout dessert for holidays, birthdays, or as a special treat to brighten the everyday.
Decoration Tips:
- For an added touch of elegance, create a pattern with the frosting using a piping bag and tip before sprinkling with nuts and zest.
- Garnish with whole or halved walnuts around the edge of the cake for a professional look.
- Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of orange zest for a more decorative garnish.
Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 160ml neutral oil
- 200g brown or white sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 150g finely grated peeled carrots
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 50g chopped walnuts
For the Frosting:
- 300g cream cheese
- 50g powdered sugar
- Zest of ¼ lemon
Decoration:
- Chopped walnuts and orange zest
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Beat oil and sugar with an electric mixer for 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, carrot zest, and orange zest by hand.
- Sift in flour and baking powder, folding gently with a spatula.
- Pour into a greased and floured pan.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer until creamy, about 4 minutes.
- Spread over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts and orange zest.
- Chill to set the frosting slightly before serving for a beautiful slice.
Enjoy this Ultimate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, where every bite brings a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dessert that’s sure to impress.
