Description
Elegant Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
500g cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Edible flowers
Chopped nuts
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Instructions:
Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a stand. Spread frosting evenly on top.
Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a generous layer of frosting.
Decorate
Garnish with edible flowers and chopped nuts for a stunning look.
Serve & Impress!
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Thoroughly grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk vigorously for one minute. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing leads to a tough cake.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, optional crushed pineapple (well-drained), and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Divide the batter equally among the three prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. They must be fully cool before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
This elegant cake is perfect for afternoon tea, birthdays, or Easter celebrations. For a beautiful presentation, slice with a sharp, clean knife wiped between cuts. Serve each slice on a simple white plate with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk are classic pairings.
How-to Summary
Create this stunning carrot cake by mixing dry spices and flour, then blending with a wet mixture of sugars, oil, and eggs. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and nuts. Bake in three layers, then cool completely. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla. Assemble the cake with frosting between each layer and all over the outside. Decorate simply with edible flowers and nuts for an elegant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, the unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Thaw before frosting. The frosted cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I omit the nuts? Absolutely. Simply leave them out for a nut-free version. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.
My frosting is too runny. How can I fix it? Ensure your cream cheese and butter are just softened, not melted or overly warm. Chill the mixture for 20 minutes, then re-whip. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar, a quarter cup at a time.
Do I have to use three cake pans? No. If you only have one or two pans, bake in batches. Keep the unused batter at room temperature while the first layers bake.
What’s the purpose of the pineapple? Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle tang that complements the carrots. It’s optional but highly recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm cake layers: This will melt the frosting and cause the layers to slide. Patience is key.
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, resulting in a dense, tough crumb. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly packs the flour, leading to a dry cake.
- Using cold cream cheese or butter for frosting: This leads to lumps. Let them soften at room temperature for smooth, spreadable frosting.
Conclusion
This elegant carrot layer cake, with its moist spiced crumb and luxurious cream cheese frosting, is a timeless dessert that impresses with both flavor and presentation. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a show-stopping centerpiece for any special occasion. The balance of sweet carrots, warm spices, and tangy frosting is truly irresistible. Happy baking!