Dreamy Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe That Melts Hearts

Crafting a delightful carrot cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Roots of this classic dessert trace back through generations of home bakers.

Sweet shredded carrots mingle with warm spices, creating a moist and irresistible treat.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside creamy frosting, promising a memorable indulgence.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in each tender slice.

Simple ingredients transform into a magical dessert that sparks conversation and smiles.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this incredible recipe.

Ingredients List for Nigella Carrot Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the carrot cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Assists in leavening and balancing the acidity in the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the cake's flavor profile.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture and richness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization during baking.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.

• Carrots, Walnuts, Crystallised Ginger: Add texture, crunch, and depth of flavor to the carrot cake.

• Icing Sugar, Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a classic, creamy frosting that complements the spiced cake.

Making Nigella Carrot Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Set Up Baking Station

Warm your oven to 170°C (325°F). Prepare a springform pan by lightly greasing the sides and lining the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Salt

Whisk together until perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Freshly grated carrots
• Chopped walnuts
• Minced crystallized ginger

Stir until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and begins to pull away from the pan’s edges.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Frosting

Whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Refrigerate until the cake has completely cooled.

Step 8: Decorate and Serve

• Additional chopped walnuts
• Sprinkled crystallized ginger pieces

Slice and enjoy your homemade carrot cake!

Tips for Better Results With Nigella Carrot Cake

• Grate Carrots Perfectly: Use the medium-sized holes on a box grater for the ideal texture, ensuring moisture and even distribution throughout the cake.
• Prevent Soggy Cake: Pat shredded carrots with paper towels to remove excess moisture, keeping the cake's crumb light and fluffy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast walnuts before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty richness and provide a more complex taste profile.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow eggs and other ingredients to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Storage Secret: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, letting it come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and moisture.

Creative Takes on Nigella Carrot Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains moisture and texture.
• Vegan Carrot Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, and replace cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sweetness while keeping the cake's rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove walnuts, add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, use seed butter instead of nut-based ingredients to accommodate nut allergies.

Great Pairings for Nigella Carrot Cake Recipe

• Pair Tangy Cream Cheese with Smooth White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the cake's sweet spiciness and cuts through the rich cream cheese frosting.
• Create Warm Beverage Harmony: A chai latte or spiced tea matches the ginger and warming notes in the carrot cake, enhancing its cozy autumn-like flavors.
• Match Nutty Crunch with Dessert Wine: A sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry echoes the walnut texture and brings out the cake's caramelized undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Elevate with Coffee Contrast: A robust espresso or cappuccino provides a bitter counterpoint to the cake's sweetness, cleansing the palate between rich bites.

Store and Keep Nigella Carrot Cake Fresh

• Store covered cake in airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping cream cheese frosting fresh and preventing drying.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing for 2-3 months without frosting to maintain texture.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, preserving portions for quick defrosting within 1 month.
• Thaw refrigerated cake at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave frozen slice for 20-30 seconds until slightly warm, avoiding overheating to prevent dryness.

Common Questions About Nigella Carrot Cake

• Can I substitute oil with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use applesauce or melted butter as alternatives, but they will slightly change the cake’s texture and moisture.

• Is ginger necessary for this recipe?

No, you can omit ginger if you don’t like the flavor, but it adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the carrots.

• How do I know if my cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

What Makes Nigella Carrot Cake Recipe So Good

• Craft with Ease: This carrot cake recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations, this cake brings warmth and comfort with its classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Nutrition Packed Treat: Loaded with carrots, walnuts, and ginger, this cake offers a sneaky way to enjoy vegetables while indulging in a sweet, moist dessert that feels both indulgent and somewhat wholesome.
• Versatile Showstopper: Adaptable for various occasions like birthdays, afternoon tea, or weekend desserts, this carrot cake transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, restaurant-quality treat that looks and tastes gourmet.

Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 60-70 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet spices and creamy frosting make this classic Carrot Cake a delightful dessert that celebrates comfort and flavor. Moist layers packed with shredded carrots and warm cinnamon invite you to savor each memorable bite of homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) plain flour
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) grated carrots
• 175 grams (6.17 ounces) light brown sugar
• 200 milliliters (6.76 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) walnut pieces
• 75 grams (2.65 ounces) crystallised ginger

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) unsalted butter
• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) icing sugar
• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) full-fat cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (juice only)
• 25 grams (0.88 ounces) walnuts
• 25 grams (0.88 ounces) crystallised ginger

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 170°C (325°F) and prepare springform pan with grease and parchment paper.
2. Sift together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Whisk eggs, sugar, and oil in a separate large bowl until smooth and well combined.
4. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, creating a uniform cake batter.
5. Incorporate grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and diced crystallised ginger into the batter, stirring until evenly distributed.
6. Transfer batter into prepared springform pan, ensuring even surface.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking doneness by observing golden color and slight separation from pan edges.
8. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool completely on wire rack.
9. Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending ingredients until smooth and creamy.
10. Refrigerate frosting for 15-20 minutes to achieve ideal spreading consistency.
11. Once cake is thoroughly cooled, generously spread frosting over entire surface.
12. Garnish top with additional chopped walnuts and crystallised ginger pieces for decorative finish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting ground ginger for personal taste preferences.
• Select fresh, sweet carrots for maximum moisture and natural sweetness in the cake.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45-55 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 296 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg