Ginger cake with carrots and fine cheese glaze

Ginger, carrot, and cream cheese frosting cake is a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the warm flavors of spices with the natural sweetness of carrots, while the creamy cheese frosting adds a wonderful contrast, turning each slice into a true delight. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 4 eggs
- 5 grated carrots
- 2 cm of grated ginger
- 200 g brown sugar
- 150 ml sunflower oil
- 300 g flour
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g finely chopped and roasted nuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A pinch of salt

For the frosting:
- 1 box of Philadelphia cream cheese
- 100 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 200 g powdered sugar
- Vanilla essence

For decoration:
- 150 g finely chopped, roasted nuts
- Small strips of carrots, caramelized in honey

A brief history

Carrot cake is a dessert with deep roots in culinary traditions, perfectly exemplifying the use of simple ingredients to create something wonderful. Carrots, often underestimated in desserts, shine in this recipe, bringing not only sweetness but also moisture and texture. Ginger, with its spicy aroma, perfectly complements the taste of carrots, while the cream cheese frosting is like a creamy hug that enhances every slice.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the cake batter
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the brown sugar until frothy. It is important to use brown sugar, as it will add depth of flavor and pleasant moisture to the cake.

Step 2: Adding the wet ingredients
Next, add the sunflower oil to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous batter. The oil makes the cake fluffier and moister.

Step 3: The dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent and spices, essential for a balanced taste.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Avoid over-mixing; this could make the cake dense. Then, add the grated carrots, ginger, raisins, and nuts. Mix gently to incorporate evenly.

Step 5: Baking the cake
Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Preparing the frosting
Meanwhile, you can prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix the Philadelphia cream cheese with the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy frosting. Mix until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy.

Step 7: Assembling the cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over its surface. Decoration is an important step; sprinkle the finely chopped nuts and the honey-caramelized carrot strips for an attractive look and added flavor.

Chef's tip

If you want to add an extra touch, you can replace some of the flour with almond flour, giving an interesting texture and unique flavor. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or add a little lemon juice to the frosting for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Raisins and nuts provide fiber and healthy fats, making this cake a healthier choice than many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen carrots?
It is not recommended, as frozen carrots may have a softer texture that can affect the consistency of the cake.

How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week. You can freeze the unglazed cake to keep it longer.

What can I serve with the cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also combine it with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Possible variations

- Chocolate cake: Add 100 g of chopped dark chocolate to the batter.
- Gluten-free cake: Replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
- Citrus cake: Add lemon or orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.

I hope this recipe for ginger, carrot, and cream cheese frosting cake brings a touch of joy to your kitchen! Don't forget to share your culinary experience with friends and family. Enjoy!