Get ready to dive into a slice of heaven with this Ginger-Infused Fresh Carrot Cake. This cake is not just your average carrot cake; it's a delightful blend of spices and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to create a balanced sweetness — the brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and helps it stay fresh longer. The eggs provide structure. All-purpose flour forms the base, while baking powder and baking soda ensure the cake rises beautifully. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. The ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, making this cake irresistibly fragrant. Three cups of grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, while chopped walnuts and raisins provide delightful texture and bursts of flavor. Finally, a touch of vanilla extract rounds everything out with its aromatic sweetness.
This cake is delightful on its own, but consider adding a cream cheese frosting for extra richness. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it a truly indulgent dessert. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add a touch of elegance for special occasions.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready to bake. Prepare your cake pans by greasing and flouring them; this will prevent sticking and make sure your cakes release easily once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until you have a smooth mixture. It should look a bit like wet sand. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. This helps them incorporate fully and create a stable batter.
In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Now, fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, raisins, and vanilla extract until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You don’t want to overmix at this stage; just ensure everything is well combined.
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.