Best Chef John's Carrot Cake
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.
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
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 make 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!