Carrot cake

Delicious carrot cake recipe: a perfect combination of taste and texture

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ask a chef about carrot cakes, and the response will always be filled with enthusiasm. This carrot cake recipe is not just a simple cake; it is a true celebration of flavor, with a moist texture and a sweet aroma, perfect for any occasion. From family meals to parties with friends, this cake is sure to be a hit. Come discover the steps to achieve a perfect cake!

Basic ingredients

To prepare this carrot cake, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 fresh eggs
- 350 grams of grated carrot (about 3-4 large carrots)
- 280 grams of flour
- 200 grams of sugar (preferably brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 200 ml of oil (sunflower oil or olive oil for a more refined taste)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 bottle of rum essence
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:

- 1 egg white
- 200 grams of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 sachet of baking powder (optional, for stability)

Preparing the cake

1. Start by preparing all your ingredients, just as an artist prepares their palette of colors. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they will emulsify better with the other ingredients.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This is the moment when air is incorporated, and the cake will become light and airy.

3. Gradually add the oil and rum essence, continuing to mix. The oil brings moisture to the cake, and the rum essence will provide a subtle aromatic note that will make the cake even more special.

4. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This combination will help the cake rise and prevent lumps from forming.

5. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Be careful not to mix too hard, as this could develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense.

6. Add the grated carrot, drained of excess juice. The carrot brings natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake incredibly tasty.

7. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Now it's time to place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. You can check if it's baked using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Preparing the glaze

1. After the cake has completely cooled, it's time to prepare a delicious glaze. In a clean bowl, beat the egg white until it forms stiff peaks. It is important that the bowl is perfectly clean, without any traces of fat.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar completely dissolves and the glaze becomes shiny.

3. Finally, drizzle in the lemon juice, which will add a note of freshness and help stabilize the glaze.

4. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for a rustic look.

Serving and variations

Carrot cake is usually served at room temperature, but if you want to add a touch of elegance, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. An excellent combination would be Earl Grey tea or fresh lemonade to complement the sweetness of the cake.

For a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup, and the oil with applesauce. Also, feel free to experiment with adding nuts, raisins, or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen carrots?
While it is recommended to use fresh carrots, you can use frozen carrots, but make sure they are well drained before adding them to the mixture.

2. How can I avoid the cake being too moist?
Make sure the carrots are well drained of excess water and that you follow the ingredient proportions.

3. How long can I keep the cake?
The cake keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for long-term storage.

Nutrition

This carrot cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which contribute to skin and eye health. Additionally, due to the oil and egg content, the cake provides a considerable amount of healthy fats and proteins.

So, don't hesitate any longer! Get into the kitchen and prepare this carrot cake, a simple and quick recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with coffee with friends or at a family dinner, this cake will surely become a favorite. Enjoy!