Carrot Cake

Carrot cake - a soft and aromatic dessert, perfect for a gathering with friends or a festive meal. This recipe not only brings a touch of sweetness to your life but will also surprise you with its moist texture and the unmistakable taste of carrots. It is a quick and simple dessert to prepare that will delight everyone who tastes it. Let's embark together on the preparation of this delicious cake!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 500 g grated carrots
- 150 ml buttermilk
- 250 g flour
- 60 g raisins
- 30 g almonds (coarsely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 packet baking powder (with saffron, for a more intense color)
- 4 large eggs
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 70 g brown sugar

For the cream cheese:
- 2 pieces of cream cheese
- 1 small cup of sweet cream
- 30 g powdered sugar

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by grating the carrots. Make sure they are fresh and wash them well beforehand. Carrots not only bring a pleasant aroma but also add moisture to the cake, contributing to its fine texture.

2. Mixing the eggs
In a large bowl, crack the four eggs and mix them with a whisk or mixer on medium speed until you achieve a slightly aerated foam. It doesn’t need to be a very stiff foam, just enough to incorporate air. Gradually add the brown sugar and continue mixing until it is completely dissolved.

3. Incorporating the oil
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the sunflower oil. This will give the cake a fluffy and moist texture. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (if you choose to use it), and coarsely chopped almonds. The almonds add a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the carrots.

5. Combining the ingredients
In the bowl with the eggs, add the buttermilk and grated carrots. Mix well, then incorporate the dry ingredients. Add the raisins and gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix to maintain the air in the batter.

6. Baking the cake
Prepare a round baking pan (about 24 cm in diameter) greased with a little oil. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from sinking.

7. Preparing the cream cheese
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the cream cheese. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweet cream, and powdered sugar. Mix until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. The cream cheese will add a delicious and refreshing contrast to the warm cake.

8. Assembling the cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese evenly over its surface. You can decorate with chocolate carrots or chopped nuts for an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions
This carrot cake is perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or a festive meal. You can accompany it with a cup of herbal tea or a fragrant espresso. Also, if you enjoy unique combinations, try serving it with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Tips and variations
- You can experiment by adding fresh or canned pineapple to the cake batter for a more exotic flavor.
- If you prefer a finer texture, you can use almond flour instead of chopped almonds.
- If you want to reduce the sugar, you can replace some of it with mashed bananas, which will provide natural sweetness.

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

2. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

3. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use any type of cream cheese or mascarpone to achieve a similarly delicious cream.

Nutritional benefits
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, playing an important role in eye and skin health. They also contain fiber that aids digestion. The cake is a healthier option compared to other desserts, thanks to its natural ingredients and cooking method.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds, this carrot cake will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. So, get ready to delight your senses with a deliciously simple and flavorful recipe!