Zesty Carrot and Orange Cream Cake

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F).
2. Whip half the sugar with egg yolks, and the other half with egg whites until fluffy.
3. Fold grated carrots into the yolk mixture.
4. Sift and mix flour, spices, and baking powder into the carrot-yolk mix.
5. Add both oils, nuts, and orange juice; combine well.
6. Gently fold whipped egg whites into the batter.
7. Bake in a 30×40 cm tray or metal rings (12cm and 10cm) for 40 minutes.
8. 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:

1. Soak gelatin in cold water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Whisk sugar and yolks in a bowl. Heat juice and zest until near boiling.
3. Gradually pour juice into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. Return to the saucepan.
4. Heat to 82°C (179.6°F), stirring continuously.
5. Add squeezed gelatin to the hot mixture and strain. Cool to room temperature.
6. Stir in room-temperature butter until smooth.
7. 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.