The Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake Recipe is a soft, moist and flavorful dessert. It combines fresh carrots, warm spices and a creamy frosting.
Many people love this cake because it tastes rich but not too heavy. If you want to learn how to make Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake, this guide will help you.
The steps are simple and beginner friendly. You will also discover the best ingredients for Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake and useful baking tips for perfect results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this carrot cake for a weekend family gathering. The kitchen smelled amazing while it baked. The spices and carrots created a warm aroma.
When we tasted the cake, it was soft and moist. Everyone loved the creamy frosting on top. I enjoyed how easy the recipe was to follow. Now I often bake it for birthdays and small celebrations.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
- Spatula
- Cake pan
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake
- 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
Step-by-Step Guide
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
Read More: Publix Carrot Cake Recipe
Tips to Make the Best Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake
- 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.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pre-shredded carrots, which can be dry.
- Overbaking the cake, which makes it dry.
- Adding frosting to a warm cake.
- Skipping spices that add flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yotam Ottolenghi carrot cake with a cup of coffee or tea. A small slice works well for dessert or afternoon snack. You can add chopped nuts or carrot curls on top for decoration.
Some people also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays or family gatherings.
Variations You Can Try
- Add raisins for extra sweetness.
- Replace walnuts with pecans.
- Add shredded coconut for texture.
- Mix orange zest into the batter for citrus flavor.
- Use honey instead of part of the sugar.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It stays fresh for up to 4 days.
- Cover well to keep frosting from drying.
- Bring slices to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Health Benefits
Carrot cake contains carrots that provide vitamins and antioxidants. These nutrients support eye health and immunity. Nuts add healthy fats and small amounts of protein.
Homemade cake also avoids many preservatives found in packaged desserts. While it is still a sweet treat, enjoying a small portion can be part of a balanced diet.

Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake Recipe
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.
FAQs about Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake
1. What makes Yotam Ottolenghi carrot cake special?
This cake combines fresh carrots, warm spices and creamy frosting. The texture stays moist while the flavor remains rich but balanced. Many people love its soft and tender crumb.
2. Can I make Yotam Ottolenghi carrot cake without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the walnuts if you prefer. The cake will still taste delicious and moist because the carrots provide natural texture and flavor.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake one day earlier. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Add the frosting before serving for best taste.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This keeps the cake soft while adding extra fiber and nutrients.
5. How do I keep carrot cake moist?
Use fresh carrots, correct baking time and proper oil measurement. Do not overbake the cake. Cooling and storing properly also helps keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
The Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake Recipe is simple, flavorful and perfect for many occasions. The combination of carrots, spices and cream cheese frosting makes it special.
By following this guide, you can easily learn how to make Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake at home. The ingredients for Yotam Ottolenghi Carrot Cake are simple and easy to find.
Bake this cake for family, friends or special celebrations. One slice is enough to make anyone smile.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
















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