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!