Spiced carrot cake

Spiced Carrot Cake: A Delightful Treat Full of Flavor and Freshness

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you're looking for a cake that combines the warm aroma of spices with the natural sweetness of carrots, this spiced carrot cake recipe is the perfect choice. And what’s even better, it’s a simple, quick, and nutrient-rich recipe, ideal for enhancing any meal or enjoying with coffee among friends.

The history of carrot cakes is fascinating. These delights were inspired by cooking traditions that emphasize the use of local and seasonal ingredients. Carrots, a versatile vegetable, have been used in various sweet dishes, bringing moist texture and natural sweetness. This modern recipe combines traditional techniques with contemporary ingredients, offering a unique culinary experience.

Necessary ingredients:

- 5 large eggs
- 250 g brown sugar (you can also use white sugar, but brown sugar adds a caramelized flavor)
- 200 ml oil (coconut oil adds a delicious aroma)
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 350 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 250 g pineapple puree (you can use canned pineapple, but make sure it is well drained)
- 100 g chopped or coarsely chopped nuts (optional, you can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries)
- Grated carrots (about 200 g, which is 2-3 medium carrots)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Grate the carrots and crush the nuts if you haven't bought them pre-ground. It's important to have everything ready before you start the cooking process.

2. Separating the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl for the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve a perfect foam.

3. Beating the egg whites: Use a mixer to beat the egg whites with the brown sugar until they become frothy and shiny. This step is essential for giving the cake an airy texture. Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Adding the oil and essences: Incorporate the oil and the rum and vanilla essences, mixing gently until everything is well combined.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). These will give the cake an irresistible aroma.

6. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients mixture over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until there are no traces of flour. It's important not to overmix to avoid developing gluten, which would lead to a dense cake.

7. Adding the main ingredients: Fold in the grated carrots, pineapple puree, and chopped nuts. Mix gently to maintain the airiness of the batter. If desired, you can also add raisins or cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.

8. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a smaller tray (20x30 cm) for a taller cake. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface. Bake the cake for about 60 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done).

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar or decorate it with vanilla cream for an added touch of elegance.

Useful tips:

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits. For example, almonds or cashews are excellent!
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add grated orange or lemon zest to the batter.
- For extra moisture, replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt or applesauce.

Nutrition and benefits:

This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Carrots add essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, while nuts provide healthy fatty acids. In total, a slice of cake contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Perfect combinations:

Served alongside a cup of citrus tea or coffee, the spiced carrot cake becomes an ideal choice for a relaxing afternoon. If you want to impress your guests, add a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for a truly memorable dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen carrots?
It is not recommended, as their consistency and moisture change. Use fresh carrots for the best results.

2. How can I store the cake?
You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. You can also freeze the cake, cut into slices, to enjoy later.

3. Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Of course! Replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and oat flour.

This spiced carrot cake is not just a dessert, but a cooking and tasting experience. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite. Share your creation with friends and family, and don’t forget to enjoy the magic of cooking!