The Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake is a moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced cake that’s ideal for any occasion. Packed with grated carrots, and warm spices, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this classic cake is a favorite for many. Its natural sweetness and texture from the carrots make it a wonderfully comforting dessert.
What is Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake?
Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced cake made with grated carrots, walnuts (optional), and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is typically finished with a creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a popular choice for celebrations, tea time, or an everyday treat.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The grated carrots add natural moisture and sweetness to the cake.
- Classic Flavor: Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake offers a warm and comforting taste.
- Simple to Make: Easy-to-follow steps ensure a foolproof carrot cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a birthday, holiday, or afternoon tea, this carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy and rich frosting perfectly complements the sweet and spiced cake.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
Follow these simple steps, to make this Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake:
For the Cake:
- Carrots (250g, grated): Provides moisture and sweetness to the cake.
- Plain flour (225g): Forms the base of the cake batter.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake.
- Vegetable oil (150ml): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise.
- Bicarbonate of soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle spice.
- Walnuts (optional, 50g, chopped): Adds texture and a nutty flavor (optional).
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the cake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (200g, softened): Creates the smooth and tangy base for the frosting.
- Unsalted butter (100g, softened): Adds richness to the frosting.
- Icing sugar (300g, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the cake batter and frosting.
- Electric mixer: Mix the batter and frosting until smooth.
- Spatula: For folding and spreading the frosting.
- Two 20cm round cake tins: For baking the cake layers.
- Baking paper: To line the cake tins.
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and caster sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice and serve the carrot cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
- Tea or Coffee: The warm spices in the carrot cake pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve the cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream.
- Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on the side for a fruity contrast.
- Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top of the frosting for a bit of crunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
- Grate the Carrots Finely: Grating the carrots finely ensures they blend well into the batter, creating a moist and tender cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature for a smooth, creamy result.
- Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
- Add Pineapple: Mix in some crushed pineapple for extra moisture and a tropical twist.
- Spiced Carrot Cake: Add ground ginger or allspice for an extra kick of warm spices.
- Raisins: Stir in a handful of raisins or sultanas for added sweetness and texture.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a bit of lemon zest to the frosting for a zesty twist.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze unfrosted layers by wrapping them tightly in cling film and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake
- Room Temperature: Carrot cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If refrigerated, remove it 30 minutes before serving.
- Microwave: For a warm slice, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds, though the frosting may soften.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cake batter by 50g for a less sweet version.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Lower-Fat Frosting: Use light cream cheese for the frosting to reduce the fat content.
- Add Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds or chia seeds for added nutrients and crunch.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 40g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. With its moist crumb, natural sweetness from the carrots, and the creamy tang of the cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is sure to become a favorite.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Plum Crumble
- Hairy Bikers Ginger Cake
- Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- James Martin Coleslaw
Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced cake made with grated carrots, walnuts (optional), and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is typically finished with a creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a popular choice for celebrations, tea time, or an everyday treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Carrots (250g, grated): Provides moisture and sweetness to the cake.
- Plain flour (225g): Forms the base of the cake batter.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens the cake.
- Vegetable oil (150ml): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise.
- Bicarbonate of soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle spice.
- Walnuts (optional, 50g, chopped): Adds texture and a nutty flavor (optional).
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the cake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (200g, softened): Creates the smooth and tangy base for the frosting.
- Unsalted butter (100g, softened): Adds richness to the frosting.
- Icing sugar (300g, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and caster sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice and serve the carrot cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!
