Indulgent, moist, and generously spiced, carrot cake stands as a timeless favorite in the realm of desserts. Its distinct flavor profile, marrying the earthy sweetness of carrots with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it a beloved treat for all occasions. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving a comforting slice, this recipe promises to deliver the ultimate carrot cake experience. With layers of cream cheese frosting adding a creamy contrast to the cake’s tender crumb, every bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you reaching for seconds. Prepare to elevate your baking repertoire with this recipe for the Best Carrot Cake Ever.
Best Carrot Cake Ever
Ingredients:
6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Step1: In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes, then stir in raisins.
Step2: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10 inch cake pans.
Step3: In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil and vanilla. Stir in the pineapple. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, stir into the wet mixture until absorbed. Finally stir in the carrot mixture and the walnuts. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
Step4: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.
To properly store the Best Carrot Cake Ever and keep it fresh:
- Cool Completely: Allow the carrot cake to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation which can make the cake soggy.
- Wrap or Cover Well: Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store the wrapped or covered cake in the refrigerator. Carrot cake tends to have cream cheese frosting which contains dairy, so refrigeration helps keep it fresh and safe to eat longer.
- Avoid Odors: If storing in the refrigerator, make sure the cake is in a section away from strong-smelling foods to prevent absorbing odors.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow it to soften slightly and enhance its flavors.
- Freezing (Optional): If you need to store the cake for longer than a few days, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Best Carrot Cake Ever for several days while maintaining its freshness and deliciousness!