Traditional Carrot Delight

Name: Traditional Carrot Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup raisins; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 12

★★★★★

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Meet the Traditional Carrot Delight, a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This moist, spiced cake is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a delightful treat to indulge in. Let's dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

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Ingredients for Traditional Carrot Delight

Grated carrots are the star of the show, adding moisture and natural sweetness. The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar provides a balanced sweetness and depth of flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist, while eggs give it structure. All-purpose flour forms the base, with baking powder to help it rise. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, bring warmth and aroma, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Walnuts and raisins add texture and surprise, while vanilla extract ties everything together. For the frosting, unsalted butter and cream cheese create a creamy base, sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla extract.

Tips & Tricks

Grate the carrots using a fine grater for the best texture and moisture.
Toast the walnuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.
Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Traditional Carrot Delight with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. A cup of spiced chai or herbal tea complements the cake's flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
What if I don't have walnuts?: Pecans or almonds can be used as a substitute for walnuts.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?: Mascarpone cheese can be used as an alternative, though it may be slightly sweeter.

Traditional Carrot Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them. This ensures your cakes won't stick and will come out easily.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat them together until well mixed. This mixture will be smooth and slightly thick.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake's flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so be gentle.

Gently fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. You want these to be evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating they're fully baked.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This helps prevent them from breaking apart.

For the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the two cake layers, then frost the top and sides. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Richly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy flavor.
Packed with texture from crunchy walnuts and chewy raisins.
Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the cake.
Simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 cups grated carrots

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup raisins

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)

8 oz cream cheese (for frosting)

4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.

6. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

8. For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.