Quick and Delicious Carrot and Walnut Cake: Simple and Flavorful

Ingredients

• • Eggs: 3 large
  • Sugar: 150 g (about 3/4 cup)

• • Vegetable Oil: 80 ml (about 1/3 cup)
  • Flour: 180 g (about 1 1/2 cups) – All-purpose or 000 flour
  • Orange Zest: From 1 orange

• • Grated Carrot: 200 g (about 2 medium carrots)
  • Walnuts: 100 g (about 1/2 cup), chopped
  • Salt: A pinch

• • Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
  • Spice Mix for Cake: 1/2 teaspoon (includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, and anise)
  • Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon

• Orange Juice: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Batter:
      • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
        • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

       

      • Gradually add the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk, ensuring that it is fully incorporated into the egg mixture.
   2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
      • • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, spice mix, and cinnamon. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking powder and spices.

       

      • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.
   3. Add Flavor and Texture:
      • • Add the grated carrot, orange zest, and orange juice to the batter. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the carrot and zest are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

       

      • Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts. These add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to the cake.
   4. Bake the Cake:
      • • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

       

      • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
      • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Serve:
   • Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, top it with a cream cheese frosting, or serve it as is for a simpler presentation. Slice and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Tips

• • Grate the Carrots Finely: For a smoother texture, use the fine side of a box grater to grate the carrots. This allows the carrot to blend seamlessly into the cake, adding moisture without being too noticeable.

• • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them to mix better with the other ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake.
  • Spice Mix Customization: The spice mix adds warmth and depth to the cake, but feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can add more cinnamon for a spicier kick or increase the vanilla for a sweeter, aromatic flavor.
  • Orange Variations: If you love citrus, you can add a little more orange zest or juice for a more pronounced flavor. Alternatively, lemon zest can be used for a slightly different twist.

Nutritional Benefits

This carrot and walnut cake is more than just a sweet treat; it offers some notable nutritional benefits:

• • Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, essential for healthy vision and immune function. They also provide dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
  • Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain antioxidants, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the cake.

• Orange Zest and Juice: Oranges are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. The zest adds not only flavor but also a boost of nutrients.
• Spices: The blend of spices used in this cake provides not only warmth and flavor but also various health benefits. For example, cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.