Chocolate carrot cake puts an indulgent spin on the British teatime treat.
This chocolate carrot cake recipe is ideal for any occasion from an afternoon picnic to weekday dessert. The creaminess of the frosting and the chocolate combined with the spice of the cinnamon and ginger really takes this classic cake recipe to the next level. But to give this cake an extra silky texture, we recommend finely shredding the carrots with a cheese grater. Then add to the mixture and be sure to stir well. To finish off, sprinkle the top of your chocolate cake with crushed or sliced walnuts.
Ingredients
For the sponge:
- 3 large free-range eggs
- 175g caster sugar
- 200ml sunflower oil
- 250g finely grated carrots (about 5 medium)
- 200g plain flour
- 3tbsp cocoa powder
- 1tbsp baking powder
- 1tsp ground cinnamon
- 1tsp ground ginger
- 125g walnut pieces or chopped pecans
For the filling and topping:
- 100g unsalted butter, very soft
- 100g good-quality cream cheese
- ½tsp vanilla essence
- 300g icing sugar, sifted
- 5tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 2tbsp walnut pieces or chopped pecans to decorate
- 2 x 20.5cm sandwich tins, greased and base-lined
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4).
- Put the eggs and sugar into the bowl of a food mixer and beat, with the whisk attachment, until very light and frothy. Gradually beat in the oil. Using a large metal spoon, stir in the carrots.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger into the bowl and stir in. Once thoroughly combined mix in the nuts.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared tins, dividing it evenly. Bake in the heated oven for 25 mins or until firm to the touch. Turn out the sponges on to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, make the filling and topping: put the soft butter, cream cheese, vanilla, icing sugar and cocoa into the bowl of a food mixer and beat, on low speed, until very smooth and creamy. Use about half to sandwich the sponges, then spread the rest on top. Scatter over the nuts.
Tips for making chocolate carrot cake:
Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese frosting rather than lower fat alternatives. Reduced and low-fat cream cheese always contains more liquid and stabilisers which will mix with the sugar and turn runny.
You might also like...
Grace Walsh is a health and wellbeing writer, working across the subjects of family, relationships, and LGBT topics, as well as sleep and mental health. A digital journalist with over six years experience as a writer and editor for UK publications, Grace is currently Health Editor for womanandhome.com and has also worked with Cosmopolitan, Red, The i Paper, GoodtoKnow, and more. After graduating from the University of Warwick, she started her career writing about the complexities of sex and relationships, before combining personal hobbies with professional and writing about fitness.
-
Beetroot and butternut squash bruschetta
A flavour-packed bruschetta loaded with beetroot, butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, garlic and more...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Orange polenta and olive oil cake
This orange polenta and olive oil cake has just a handful of ingredients and will taste even better if you can bake it a couple of days ahead.
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Oreo cupcakes
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Feta and spinach stuffed chicken
This feta and spinach stuffed chicken is cooked in 25 minutes and only has four steps in the method
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Sweet potato and courgette fish cakes
These sweet potato and courgette fish cakes take 30 minutes to make and can be served with chips, salad, or steamed veg on the side...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Chicken and spinach lasagne
This chicken and spinach lasagne is a great new take on the family favourite and it’s easy to prepare during the day to cook come dinner time...
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Best Valentine's Day jokes for kids
Put a smile on your little one's face with these hilarious Valentine's Day jokes for kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
6 adorable mini me pyjama sets that are perfect for Valentine's Day (and every night after)
Share the love with your kids this Valentine's Day with these adorable mini me pyjama sets, from just £12.50
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite snack usually requires a 'refined palate' - would your kids choose it?
Princess Charlotte has inherited her love for this grown-up from her mum Kate Middleton
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published