Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake Recipe
The Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake Recipe is a soft, moist and flavorful dessert. It combines fresh carrots, warm spices and a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a cake pan with butter or oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper so the cake releases easily after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir well with a whisk so the spices spread evenly through the flour.
Prepare the Wet Mixture
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and slightly thick. Add vanilla extract and stir again for extra flavor.
Add the Carrots
- Stir the grated carrots into the wet mixture. Mix gently until carrots spread evenly. The carrots keep the cake moist and naturally sweet.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the flour mixture into the carrot mixture. Stir gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix because it can make the cake dense.
Add Nuts and Pour Batter
- Fold chopped walnuts into the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so the cake bakes evenly.
Bake the Cake
- Place the cake in the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes at 175°C (350°F). Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually. Mix until creamy and thick. Add vanilla extract for a sweet aroma.
Frost the Cake
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula to create smooth or decorative swirls.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use room temperature eggs for better texture.
- Let the cake cool before frosting.
- Toast walnuts slightly for deeper flavor.