Sweet squares with carrot and raisins

Carrot and Raisin Cake - a delightful treat full of flavors

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Discover the pleasure of a simple yet surprisingly delicious cake that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the enticing flavors of raisins and spices. This carrot cake is not just a dessert, but also an excellent choice for breakfast or a healthy snack for kids.

A brief story

Carrot cakes have a fascinating history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. They have been made in various forms for centuries, appreciated for the natural sweetness of carrots, which transforms a simple ingredient into a delightful treat. Nowadays, carrot cakes have become extremely popular, often associated with festive occasions but also with moments of daily indulgence.

Necessary ingredients

- 3 medium carrots (about 300 g), grated
- 200 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 125 ml olive oil (preferably extra virgin for a more intense flavor)
- 50 g raisins soaked in rum (or warm water for a non-alcoholic option)
- Zest and juice of half a lemon
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg (for an extra hint of spice)
- Decoration: crushed almonds for a crunchy and appealing look

Steps to prepare the carrot cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, as this will help with better homogenization of the mixture. The carrots need to be peeled and finely grated. If you have larger carrots, it's best to cut them into smaller pieces before grating.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sugar and olive oil. Using a whisk or mixer, mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous. It's important not to overmix, so don't worry if you don't get a perfectly smooth texture. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, continuing to mix gently.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and add the baking powder and nutmeg. This step will ensure a fluffier cake. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ones, mixing with a spatula or paddle, so as not to form lumps. This helps maintain the delicate texture.

4. Adding the carrots and raisins: At this stage, add the grated carrots, the soaked raisins (draining the excess liquid), and the lemon zest. Gently mix to incorporate the ingredients, but without over-stirring the mixture.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a 23 cm pan with butter and dust it with flour, making sure it is well coated to prevent the cake from sticking. This is an essential step, as a cake stuck to the pan will ruin all the effort put in.

6. Baking the cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. It's important to check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. In the end, it will take on a slight golden color and will pull away from the edges of the pan.

7. Cooling and decorating: After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can glaze it with an eggnog glaze, which will add a crunchy note and a unique flavor. Alternatively, sprinkle crushed almonds before baking for a more rustic look.

8. Serving the cake: This carrot cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with it.

Useful tips and variations

- If you want to add an extra flavor, try adding a splash of ginger or cinnamon to the mixture.
- You can replace the raisins with nuts, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips for a more decadent version.
- The cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but you can also freeze it if you want to keep it longer.

Nutritional benefits

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, making this cake a healthier choice compared to other desserts. Olive oil brings healthy fats, while raisins provide antioxidants and essential minerals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace olive oil with another type of oil?
Yes, but olive oil brings a distinctive flavor. You can also use sunflower or canola oil.

2. What can I use instead of raisins?
You can use dried cranberries, dates, or even pieces of dried pineapple to add a different taste.

3. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Try replacing wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be careful with proportions as this may affect the texture.

This carrot and raisin cake will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every moment of the preparation and feel free to experiment with the ingredients! Enjoy your meal!