Many people think that a carrot cake absolutely requires a thick layer of cream cheese frosting to keep it from drying out. But it doesn’t have to be that way! This recipe is dedicated to those of you who love a cake that can stand alone – without any decorations or frills.
Because we’re skipping the icing, we’ve upped the ante on the good stuff in the dough itself. The result is a spongy, spicy and intense cake that keeps delicious for days. It’s perfect for a packed lunch, a quick afternoon coffee or as a slightly healthier cozy snack.
You need this.
The good thing about this cake is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.
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Eggs: 3 large
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Sugar: 250g
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Neutral oil: 2 dl (e.g. rapeseed or sunflower oil)
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Wheat flour: 250 g
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Carrots: 250 g (finely grated)
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Baking powder: 2.5 tsp.
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Salt: 1 tsp.
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Vanilla sugar: 2 tsp.
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Cinnamon: 3 tsp. (use a good one!)
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Walnuts: 1 bag (approx. 60-80 g), coarsely chopped
How to do it
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Preparation: Turn on your oven to 180 degrees (conventional oven). Grease a cake tin or line it with baking paper. Choose a tin with a little height, as the cake likes to grow during baking.
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Beat in air: Start by beating the eggs and sugar together in a bowl. Beat until the mixture becomes light and foamy – this gives the cake a good structure.
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Add the wet ingredients: Pour the oil into the egg mixture while stirring lightly.
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The dry ingredients: Mix flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, salt and cinnamon. Sift it into the dough to avoid lumps, and stir it together gently.
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The filling: Finally, fold the grated carrots and chopped walnuts into the dough. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so you get carrots and crunch in every bite.
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Baking: Pour the batter into the pan and bake in the middle of the oven for about 35-40 minutes . Keep an eye on it – when a knitting needle or knife comes out clean, it’s done.
A little serving tip: Although the cake tastes amazing just as it is, try serving it with a dollop of cold creme fraiche or Greek yogurt stirred in a little vanilla. It provides a fresh counterpoint to the warm cinnamon flavor.
Welcome!