A festive aroma wafts through the air, cozy moments spent by the fire, and the cheerful laughter that fills the room – there’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas baking in the United Kingdom. The season beckons us to the kitchen, where we whisk, fold, and bake up delights that warm both the heart and the home. Today, we bring you a delightful recipe that perfectly captures the essence of a British Christmas – the classic Carrot Cake With Spices.
**Carrot Cake With Spices**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ½ teaspoon salt
– Cream cheese frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Additional chopped walnuts for topping (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the oil and eggs until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cake’s light texture.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
9. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
11. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
12. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, creating a generous layer.
13. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top of the frosting.
14. Slice and serve this delightful Carrot Cake With Spices to your loved ones, savoring the warm, comforting flavors of the holiday season.
Enjoy the cozy delights of Christmas baking with this delicious Carrot Cake With Spices! Whether shared with family and friends or enjoyed as a personal treat, this recipe is sure to bring joy and warmth to your festive celebrations. Happy baking!
