When you think about baking, carrot cake might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it deserves your attention. Its unique combination of moistness and subtle spices creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and inviting. You'll find that using fresh ingredients, like grated carrots and light muscovado sugar, can elevate this classic treat. And while the rich cream cheese frosting is tempting on its own, there's a twist that could take your cake to the next level. Curious about what makes this recipe stand out?
Key Takeaways
- Use 175g of light muscovado sugar and 175ml of sunflower oil for a moist, sweet cake base.
- Incorporate 140g of grated carrots and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, ensuring toothpick comes out clean for perfect doneness.
- Frost with classic cream cheese frosting, adding lemon zest or chopped pecans for an extra flavor twist.
- Serve with brewed coffee or whipped cream, and store in an airtight container for freshness.
History

Carrot cake has a fascinating history that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Back then, sweeteners like honey and sugar were hard to come by, so bakers turned to grated carrots to add sweetness to their desserts.
Fast forward to the 1960s, when the modern carrot cake recipe gained traction in the United States, aligning perfectly with the health food movement. The first known printed recipe appeared in Fannie Farmer's "The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook" in 1912.
Over time, carrot cake became a beloved staple, especially in southern kitchens, often topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Today, you'll find countless variations worldwide, featuring nuts, spices, and tropical fruits, reflecting local flavors and preferences.
Recipe

Carrot cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots and raisins with warm spices to create a moist and flavorful treat. This Yummy Scrummy Carrot Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a cozy afternoon tea, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
The blend of light muscovado sugar, sunflower oil, and eggs provides a rich base, while the addition of grated carrots and raisins ensures each bite is packed with texture and sweetness.
Baking this cake is simple and rewarding, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The aromatic spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, elevate the cake's flavor profile, and the tangy orange frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.
Follow the recipe below to create a delightful carrot cake that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 175g light muscovado sugar
- 175ml sunflower oil
- 3 lightly beaten eggs
- 140g grated carrots
- 100g raisins
- 175g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 175g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
To make the Yummy Scrummy Carrot Cake, preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas 4) and grease a cake tin.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light muscovado sugar, sunflower oil, and lightly beaten eggs, whisking until well blended. Next, fold in the grated carrots and raisins.
In another bowl, mix the self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, and grated nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before making the frosting by mixing the icing sugar with orange juice until smooth, then spread it over the cooled cake.
When baking this carrot cake, make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a denser cake.
You can also customize the cake by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can adjust the amount of icing sugar or add more orange juice.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Enjoy your baking experience and the delicious results!
Cooking Steps

Let's get started with the cooking steps for your carrot cake.
First, you'll preheat your oven to 350°F and mix the dry ingredients together.
Then, you can add the grated carrots and nuts before folding in the wet ingredients to create a delicious batter.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

Preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) is essential for baking the perfect carrot cake. This temperature ensures your cake bakes evenly, giving it the right texture and rise.
Allow at least 15 minutes for the oven to preheat before you bake the cake, as this helps create optimal baking conditions. If you're using a fan-assisted oven, remember to reduce the temperature by 20°C (or 25°F) for better results.
Don't forget to check your oven's accuracy with a thermometer; inconsistent heat can ruin your cake.
Finally, position the oven rack in the center to promote even baking and prevent the cake from browning too quickly.
With these steps, you're ready to bake a scrumptious carrot cake!
Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together

Now that your oven is preheated, it's time to mix the dry ingredients together.
Begin by measuring out 175g of self-raising flour, ensuring it's leveled off for accuracy.
Add 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda for leavening, which helps your cake rise beautifully.
Next, incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to bring warmth and flavor to the mix.
To elevate the taste even further, grate ½ teaspoon of nutmeg and add it in. This will provide a subtle spice note that perfectly complements the grated carrots you'll add later.
Once you've gathered all the dry ingredients, sift them together in a bowl to aerate and ensure an even distribution, preventing any clumping.
Step 3. Add Grated Carrots and Nuts

Grate about 140g of fresh carrots, which is roughly three medium-sized carrots, to add natural sweetness and moisture to your cake batter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots with 100g of raisins for extra texture and flavor. If you want to boost the richness, toss in a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. These will give your carrot cake a delightful crunch.
Mix the ingredients gently, ensuring the carrots, raisins, and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the cake's texture.
With everything combined, you're one step closer to a deliciously moist carrot cake!
Step 4. Fold in Wet Ingredients

Start by mixing the sugar, sunflower oil, and lightly beaten eggs together until they're well combined.
Next, gently fold in the grated carrots and raisins, along with the zest of one large orange, for added flavor and moisture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to ensure even distribution without affecting the cake's texture.
Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined, sift and gradually add the dry ingredients, including self-raising flour and bicarbonate of soda.
Mix until just combined—avoid excessive stirring to prevent developing gluten, which can lead to a dense cake. Keeping everything light and fluffy is key to a delicious carrot cake.
Now you're ready for the next step!
Step 5. Pour Batter Into Prepared Pan

Once your batter is well-mixed and free of lumps, it's time to pour it into the prepared 18cm square cake tin.
First, make sure you've greased the pan thoroughly with sunflower oil or lined it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
Carefully pour the batter into the center of the pan, letting it spread naturally toward the edges for even baking.
Use a spatula to gently smooth the surface, ensuring it's level. This step is crucial for a uniform cake.
Finally, tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. This helps achieve a more even rise during baking, resulting in a deliciously fluffy carrot cake.
Now, you're ready to bake!
Final Thoughts

While baking a carrot cake might seem daunting, you'll find that the Yummy Scrummy Carrot Cake recipe is both straightforward and rewarding.
This easy carrot cake uses vegetable oil, giving it a moist texture and a healthier edge. With self-raising flour and optional baking powder, you'll achieve a lovely rise, while the spices allow you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Even if you face some challenges with icing consistency, the end result will still be a light, moist, and delicious cake. It's perfect for gatherings or an afternoon tea that includes sweet treats. Additionally, you can enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee brewed using the French Press method, which enhances the flavor profile of your dessert experience.