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Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

Delia Smith Carrot Cake

This Carrot Cake is a moist and spiced cake made with grated carrots, adding natural sweetness and a soft texture. The recipe includes ingredients like walnuts and cinnamon, giving it a nutty and aromatic flavor. It’s typically topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • Carrots – 200g, finely grated, for moisture and sweetness.
  • Plain flour – 175g, the base of the batter.
  • Caster sugar – 175g, adds sweetness.
  • Vegetable oil – 175ml, keeps the cake moist.
  • Eggs – 2 large, for binding the ingredients.
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, helps the cake rise.
  • Bicarbonate of soda – 1 teaspoon, for an airy texture.
  • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and spice.
  • Walnuts – 50g, chopped, for a nutty crunch (optional).

For the Frosting:

 

  • Cream cheese – 200g, softened, creates a creamy topping.
  • Unsalted butter – 50g, softened, adds richness.
  • Icing sugar – 100g, for sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tin

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and cinnamon.
  • Stir in the caster sugar and chopped walnuts (if using).

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vegetable oil until well combined.
  • Add the grated carrots to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Make the Batter

  • Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

  • Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

  • Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  • Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

 

  • Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
  • Decorate with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.