Embark on a flavorful journey with our Zesty Carrot and Orange Cream Cake. This recipe brings together the earthy sweetness of carrots and the tangy freshness of oranges in a delightful dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This: The moist and spiced carrot sponge, coupled with the citrusy burst of orange cream, creates a harmonious blend of flavors. It's an exquisite combination that elevates the classic carrot cake to new heights.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is a fabulous choice for festive celebrations, cozy family gatherings, or as a sophisticated treat for your afternoon tea.
Carrot Sponge Ingredients:
- 180g eggs
- 150g sugar
- 230g brown sugar
- 250g finely grated carrots
- 220g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter
- 100g vegetable oil
- 40g orange juice
- 40g toasted, peeled, and ground walnuts
- 14g baking powder
- Spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom
Sponge Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Whip half the sugar with egg yolks, and the other half with egg whites until fluffy.
- Fold grated carrots into the yolk mixture.
- Sift and mix flour, spices, and baking powder into the carrot-yolk mix.
- Add both oils, nuts, and orange juice; combine well.
- Gently fold whipped egg whites into the batter.
- Bake in a 30x40 cm tray or metal rings (12cm and 10cm) for 40 minutes.
- Once cooled, slice each sponge horizontally into two layers.
Orange Cream-Curd:
- 100g orange juice with pulp
- Zest of 1 orange
- 10g lemon juice
- 70g egg yolks (about 3 eggs)
- 40g sugar
- 40g unsalted butter
- 4g leaf gelatin (180 Bloom)
Cream-Curd Preparation:
- Soak gelatin in cold water for 5-10 minutes.
- Whisk sugar and yolks in a bowl. Heat juice and zest until near boiling.
- Gradually pour juice into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. Return to the saucepan.
- Heat to 82°C (179.6°F), stirring continuously.
- Add squeezed gelatin to the hot mixture and strain. Cool to room temperature.
- Stir in room-temperature butter until smooth.
- Combine the cream-curd with your preferred cream or use it as a layer in the cake assembly.
Assemble the cake by alternating layers of carrot sponge and orange cream-curd. Aim for a visually appealing layering of sponge and cream.
Indulge in the Zesty Carrot and Orange Cream Cake, a delightful treat that perfectly marries the richness of carrots with the zesty punch of oranges.