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Desserts

Carrot cake

⏱ 20 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

With the first cold snap of the year it’s important to get your fill of energy and vitamin C: this cake provides both, in its unexpected sweetness, and with its abundance of carrots, a food rich in vitamins and important nutrients and which are available to buy all the year round. The carrot cake is delicious and can be made in just a few minutes, it’s very easy, is suitable for every occasion, is great as a snack, for breakfast, when you just want something sweet – in short, it’s a classic which is always just minutes away from being enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth, and also by children who don’t always like eating vegetables. It takes just a few steps to make this cake, made even easier thanks to all our photos which eliminate any confusion or uncertainty over how to proceed – so let’s find out together how it’s done!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
45 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Separate the egg whites and beat until stiff; keep them in the fridge. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is white and fluffy. Add the grated carrots and lemon zest, then the hazelnuts and almonds, mixing well with a spatula. Slowly stir in the flour and baking powder, finely sifted, mixing carefully with a spatula. Finish by adding the beaten egg whites, incorporating them with the spatula with a stirring movement from the bottom up. Preheat the oven to 180°C; prepare a greased and floured mould and pour in the mixture; bake for 45 minutes or so. Turn out of the baking tin when cool, cut and serve garnished with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder to taste.

Tips
Even though carrot cake is simple in appearance and ingredients, it can be filled with whipped cream or creamed chocolate. These fillings can be added to the centre of the cake, or you can slice it, put it on a saucer, and serve it with cream on the side.
Trivia
Carrots contain many vitamins, such as beta-carotene and vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyesight. Also, unlike other vegetables during the cooking phase, they retain vitamin A, while little remains of the vitamin C.

Step by step

The ingredients
The ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Carrot Cake with Hazelnuts and Almonds

One of the tastiest variations of Carrot Cake is the one that includes hazelnuts and almonds, two ingredients that enrich the dessert with a unique crunch and intense flavor. To prepare this delicious version, simply finely chop the hazelnuts and almonds and incorporate them into the batter along with the grated carrots. This mix of dried fruit not only enhances the flavor of the cake but also gives it a particularly pleasant texture. Moreover, the presence of hazelnuts and almonds adds nutritional value, making the cake not only sweet and inviting but also more nutritious. This preparation is perfect for a healthy snack or as a dessert for a family lunch.

Tuscan Carrot Cake

Tuscan Carrot Cake is a traditional dessert that stands out for its simplicity and genuineness. In Tuscany, fresh carrots are a commonly used ingredient, and this cake highlights their flavor in a sublime way. The recipe calls for the use of fresh, quality ingredients, such as seasonal carrots, which give the cake an authentic and natural taste. The preparation may vary slightly depending on the families, but the final result is always a moist and fragrant dessert, perfect to enjoy with tea or coffee. Try it with a touch of lemon glaze for an extra hint of freshness.

Light Carrot Cake without Sugar

For those who want a lighter version of Carrot Cake, it can be made without sugar, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead. This light variant retains the flavor of the carrots thanks to their natural sweetness and is lower in calories, ideal for those following a low-calorie diet or wishing to limit sugar intake. Additionally, one can opt for whole grain flours, which provide fiber and make the dessert even healthier. Despite the modifications, the final result is a soft and delicious cake, perfect for those who do not want to give up the pleasure of a sweet treat.

Benefits of Carrots in Carrot Cake and Approximate Calories

Carrots, the main ingredient in Carrot Cake, are known for their numerous nutritional benefits. Rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, carrots help maintain eye health and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, they are a source of B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium and calcium. A serving of Carrot Cake (about 100 grams) provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing lighter variations or adding dried fruit, it is possible to keep the dessert nutritious without compromising on taste.

Can Carrot Cake be Frozen?

Yes, Carrot Cake can be frozen without any problems. To best preserve its freshness and texture, it is advisable to let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This way, the cake will keep for several weeks in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm it slightly in the oven. This practice is useful for those who wish to prepare desserts in advance and have them ready for a special occasion or an impromptu snack.