I love carrot cake, simply because it is sweet and has that distinct taste of carrots. Classic carrot cake is that cake that is baked using carrots mixed with other ingredients. This cake has been enjoyed by many generations through out the world.
Carrot cake is healthy, it contains carrots dah! and it is versatile and sweet too and this makes it a popular choice for the healthy diet watchers. The carrots makes this cake be high in fiber as well as vitamins. You can make this cake using whole meal flour as well as other healthier alternatives to refined flour. You want to make this cake denser with nutrients, oh please go ahead! You can customize this cake by adding other ingredients such as fruits and nuts to make it more nutritious.
Health benefits of a classic carrot
The main ingredient in a classic carrot cake is carrots. Carrots provide a good source of vitamin A and C, as well as Potassium and fiber. The vitamin A in carrots help to lower cholesterol and improve eye health. Some of the fiber in carrots is soluble meaning that it can helps reduce blood levels by slowing down the digestion and absorption of sugar in the body. They can also feed the friendly bacteria in the gut, leading to a good gut health and decreased risk of disease.
How to make classic carrot cake
To make classic carrot cake you will require oil, sugar/honey, eggs, and vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), and salt. Of course the main ingredient for this classic delight is grated carrots. A variation of the classic cake would include chopped nuts, raisins as well as other fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, and Zucchini. Try adding pizzaz to the cake by using coconut flakes. The cake is prepared by mixing the ingredients together and baking in an oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake is then cooled and can be decorated with frosting, or other toppings.
Ingredients for a classic carrot cake recipe:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of one lemon)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions for a classic cake recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
- In a another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 – 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes the transfer to a wire rack for further cooling until it is cooled.
- Serve cool and enjoy with tea/coffee or as a desert.
Variations of a classic carrot cake
You can get creative and try new combinations to find your perfect twist on the classic cake recipe. For instance adding coconut flakes to the carrot cake batter will add a sweet, nutty flavor and a different texture to carrot cake. A pineapple carrot cake is made by adding crushed pineapples to the butter thus adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the cake. The pineapples also helps to keep the cake moist. If you are into spicy cakes, try adding 2 tablespoon of crushed ginger to the batter. Ginger adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake. Nuts such as walnuts and pecans and raisins added to the batter will add extra texture and flavor to the cake. The variations reach as far as your imaginations go!
Other healthy cake recipes
- Delicious and easy apple cake
- Sweet and Spicy Carrot-Ginger Raisin Cake
- Orange cake with walnuts
- Delicious and Crunchy Tangerine Walnut Cake
- Simple blueberries banana cake
Delicious and easy to bake classic carrot cake
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cup olive oil
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Step one:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
- In a another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step two:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 – 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes the transfer to a wire rack for further cooling until it is cooled.
- Serve cool and enjoy with tea/coffee or as a desert.
