Carrot and Orange Cake

Carrot and Orange Cake - a delicious, soft, and aromatic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the freshness of citrus. This cake is not only a delightful choice for any occasion, but also a healthy option, packed with vitamins and nutrients. Moreover, it is an easy recipe to make, perfect for cooking enthusiasts of any experience level.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 400 g grated carrot (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 200 ml oil (1 cup)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Zest of 2 oranges
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (dissolved in a few drops of lemon juice)

A bit of history:
Carrot cake has deep roots in culinary history, popularized during wartime due to the lack of sugar-derived ingredients. Carrots, having a natural sugar content, were used as a substitute, resulting in a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake. The combination of carrots with the citrus flavors of oranges adds a refreshing touch and a pleasant contrast of tastes.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a more uniform texture of the batter. Grate the carrots using a fine grater or a food processor to obtain a smooth consistency.

2. Beating the eggs:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar. It is essential to use an electric mixer on high speed to achieve a light and airy foam. This process should take about 10 minutes. The color should lighten, and the mixture will have a creamy texture.

3. Adding the oil:
Once the eggs and sugar are well combined, gradually add the oil while continuously mixing until homogeneous. The oil will contribute to the moisture of the cake and add a subtle flavor.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, dissolved baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents in the dough. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with eggs and oil, being careful to mix with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing the incorporated air.

5. Flavoring:
Now, add the grated orange zest and vanilla essence. These flavors will transform the cake into an unforgettable taste experience. Gently mix.

6. Incorporating the carrots:
Add the grated carrots to the batter, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture. They not only enrich the cake's flavor but also contribute to its moist texture.

7. Preparing the baking pan:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 24 cm diameter baking pan, greased with butter and lined with baking paper at the bottom. This will make it easier for the cake to release after baking.

8. Pouring the batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

9. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 45-50 minutes. It is important to check the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted in the middle of the cake.

10. Cooling:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, remove the ring of the pan and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

11. Finishing:
After the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered vanilla sugar to give it an attractive appearance and a sweet taste.

Serving and variations:
Carrot and orange cake is delicious both plain and alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of sweet cream. Give it an even more special touch by adding ground nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen carrots?
It is not recommended, as frozen carrots may release water when thawed, affecting the texture of the cake.

2. How can I replace sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity according to the desired sweetness.

3. Can the cake be stored?
Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is rich in vitamins due to the carrots, which are excellent sources of beta-carotene, an important antioxidant. Additionally, oranges add a healthy dose of vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Carrot and orange cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a healthy choice. Experiment with this recipe and customize it to your taste! Enjoy!