If you’re in search of a show-stopping dessert that will not only impress your friends and family but also satisfy your cravings for something sweet and spicy, then you’ve come to the right place. Chef John’s Carrot Cake is a mouthwatering delight that beautifully balances the earthy sweetness of carrots with warm spices, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the art of making this delectable treat, step by step.
| Servings | Cooking Time | CALORIES |
| 12 | 50mins | 450 per serving |
Who This Recipe is For
This recipe is for anyone who appreciates the comforting taste of carrot cake and is ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a novice eager to impress, this recipe is accessible and enjoyable for all. The resulting cake is perfect for special occasions or a simple afternoon tea.
Why Chef John’s Carrot Cake is Great
What sets Chef John’s Carrot Cake apart from the rest is the meticulous balance of flavors and the tender crumb that is the hallmark of a great carrot cake. The combination of grated carrots, aromatic spices, and a cream cheese frosting results in a cake that’s both rich and delightful. This cake not only tastes fantastic but also makes for a stunning presentation, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
Before we delve into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Chef John’s Carrot Cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Additional chopped walnuts
- Shredded coconut
Kitchen Equipment
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Grater
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Cake decorating tools (if desired)
Directions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the aromatic spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the grated carrots and crushed pineapple, stirring until they are evenly distributed.
Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
Bake
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Frost
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Garnish
- If desired, decorate your carrot cake with additional chopped walnuts and shredded coconut.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and savor your homemade Chef John’s Carrot Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Cake Pan Note
This recipe yields a two-layer cake. You’ll need two 9-inch round cake pans to accommodate the batter.
How to Store Leftovers
If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftovers, store your carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several ways to customize your carrot cake:
- Nuts: Swap the walnuts for pecans or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices to your taste. You can increase or decrease the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
- Add-ins: Feel free to include raisins, coconut, or even a touch of ginger for extra flavor.
- Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can experiment with other frosting flavors like caramel or lemon.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair your Chef John’s Carrot Cake with a few delectable options:
- Tea: A classic choice is a cup of Earl Grey tea to complement the spices and sweetness.
- Coffee: A strong, aromatic coffee makes for a delightful pairing with the cake.
- Dessert Wine: Try a sweet Riesling or Moscato for a perfect dessert combination.
Conclusion
Chef John’s Carrot Cake is the epitome of a classic dessert, with a delightful twist. The harmonious blend of spices and the rich cream cheese frosting makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this carrot cake will not disappoint. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and bake your way to pure bliss!
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Thank you for joining us on this culinary adventure. Happy baking!
MORE CARROT CAKES
Best Chef John’s Carrot Cake
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Grater
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Cake decorating tools (if desired)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional chopped walnuts
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the aromatic spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the grated carrots and crushed pineapple, stirring until they are evenly distributed.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- If desired, decorate your carrot cake with additional chopped walnuts and shredded coconut.
- Slice and savor your homemade Chef John's Carrot Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It's perfect for any occasion.
Notes
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!