Best Cranberry Carrot Cake
If you're on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that combines the earthy goodness of carrots with the tart zing of cranberries, you've come to the right place. This Cranberry Carrot Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your friends and family in awe. Whether it's a holiday gathering or a special occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. In this blog post, we'll dive into the details of this delectable recipe, exploring the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and even some creative variations. So, let's get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Grater or food processor for grating carrots
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire racks for cooling
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This will ensure your cakes don't stick.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside.
- In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots and fresh cranberries into the batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops.
- 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 the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Slice and serve your Cranberry Carrot Cake. It's best enjoyed fresh!
Notes
Cranberry Carrot Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the earthy goodness of carrots with the tart zing of cranberries. It's the perfect treat for holiday gatherings and special occasions. This recipe is a balance of sweet and tart, complemented by warm spices and creamy cream cheese frosting. With the right equipment, fresh ingredients, and a little creativity, you can create a memorable cake that will leave your guests asking for seconds.