Classic carrot cake

There’s nothing better than tucking into a slice of classic carrot cake, no matter if it's for a tasty afternoon treat or a scrumptious dessert. Try this light and moist carrot cake, spiced with cinnamon, topped with thick creamy frosting, crushed walnuts and seeds, and a sprinkle of carrot to finish.

Cakes and bakes
Carrot cake seen from above, topped with frosting, sunflower seeds and walnuts
  • Preparation time 20 mins (prep. time)
  • Cooking time 25-30 mins (cooking time)
  • Serves 12 portions

Ingredients

  • 220g soft light brown sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla flavouring
  • 400g plain flour
  • 1.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 400ml vegetable oil
  • 500g carrots, grated
  • 75g walnut pieces
     

For the frosting

  • 400g icing sugar
  • 50g butter
  • 125g cream cheese


For the topping

  • 20g walnut pieces
  • 20g pumpkin seeds
  • 2g caraway seeds
  • 10g sunflower seeds
  • 150g carrot, julienne
  • 50g caster sugar

Method

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 170°C. Place the sugar, eggs and vanilla flavouring in a large bowl.
  2. Place the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in another bowl. Use a spoon to mix together.
  3. Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. With the whisk going, gradually pour in the oil. Once all has been added, stop whisking.
  4. Tip the flour mixture into the oil mixture and fold through. While still quite lumpy add the carrots and chopped mixed nuts. Continue to mix until evenly combined.
  5. Divide the combined mixture between your tins and put in the pre-heated oven. 
  6. Cook for 25–30 minutes or until risen and golden. Check that it's ready by inserting a skewer into the middle to see if it comes out clean. Remove from the tins and leave to cool.
  7. For the frosting: Place the icing sugar and butter in a bowl and mix on medium speed with your mixer until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  8. Add the cream cheese in one go and beat until incorporated. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy (at least 5 minutes). You can chill this to make it thicken up when it’s whisked.
  9. Sandwich the cakes together with a little of the frosting then spread the rest over the top and use a fork to leave a rough surface.
  10. Place the walnuts, pumpkin seeds, caraway seeds and sunflower seeds in a frying pan and toast them briefly. Leave to cool before sprinkling over the top of the cake.
  11. Dissolve the sugar in a little water. Bring to the boil and add the carrots. Stir well and boil for 30–40 seconds. Remove from the heat and leave to cool before scattering over the top of the cake.