Carrot cake with nuts and blueberries

Carrot, Walnut, and Blueberry Cake: The Delight that Combines Health with Refined Taste

Who doesn't love a moist cake, full of flavors and diverse textures? The carrot, walnut, and blueberry cake is definitely a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of health in every slice. This recipe is perfect for celebrations, but can be enjoyed anytime you desire a sweet moment of indulgence. Whether you prepare it for a gathering with friends or simply to enjoy a dessert at home, the carrot, walnut, and blueberry cake will quickly become a favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients for the base:
- 4 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 200 g raw sugar
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 300 g finely grated carrots
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- 70 ml sunflower oil
- 70 g melted and cooled butter
- 100 g fresh or frozen blueberries

Ingredients for the cream:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 100 ml whipping cream
- 1 vanilla pod
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar

Ingredients for decoration:
- Chocolate (for chocolate sticks)
- Colored confetti candies (optional)

Let's embark together on the preparation of this delicious cake!

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure your utensils are completely clean, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

2. Whipping the egg whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Whip for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add the sugar. Continue to whip until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is crucial for giving the cake a light and airy texture.

3. Incorporating the yolks
Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, while continuing to mix, pour in the oil and melted butter, gently folding them in to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. The dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients not only helps with homogenization but also aerates the flour, resulting in a fluffier base.

5. Mixing the ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix gently with an up-and-down motion to avoid losing the accumulated air.

6. Adding the carrots and walnuts
Finally, fold in the grated carrots and ground walnuts carefully. These ingredients not only add wonderful flavor but also moisture and texture to the cake.

7. Preparing the pan
Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the blueberries on top of the batter, gently pressing them in to incorporate into the mixture.

8. Baking
Put the pan in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

Step 2: Making the cream

1. Whipping the cream
In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm consistency. It is important not to over-whip, to avoid separation.

2. Preparing the mascarpone
In another bowl, use a whisk to blend the mascarpone with the seeds from the vanilla pod. The natural aroma of vanilla will add an extra touch of refinement to your cream.

3. The final combination
Fold the mascarpone into the whipped cream, mixing gently with a whisk. Here, you can add a splash of extra vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Decorating with cream
Transfer the cream to a piping bag and decorate the cooled cake. You can create artistic shapes or simply cover the surface evenly. While doing this, make sure to use a spatula to smooth the cream and give it a uniform appearance.

2. Final decoration
Add the chocolate sticks and, if desired, confetti candies for a splash of color. These details not only enhance the cake's appearance but also make it more appealing to children.

3. Portioning and serving
Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator to set the cream, then cut it into squares or triangles, as preferred. This cake is delicious served alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips for a perfect result

- Quality of ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh carrots will bring a sweeter taste and better texture.
- The oil: If you want a richer flavor, you can replace sunflower oil with olive oil or walnut oil.
- Variations: You can also add other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to diversify the flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. This makes it ideal for preparing in advance.

Nutritional benefits

The carrot, walnut, and blueberry cake is not just a treat, but also a healthy option. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, making them a true superfood.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! Pecan or hazelnuts are excellent alternatives that can provide a different flavor to the cake.

- How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar, or you can use a lower-fat cream.

- Is this a vegan recipe?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or bananas to replace the eggs and a vegan alternative for mascarpone.

In conclusion, the carrot, walnut, and blueberry cake is a wonderful choice for any occasion. With a moist texture and refined taste, it will surely impress anyone who tastes it. So, don't wait any longer! Step into the kitchen and start creating this delight, which will surely bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!