Luxurious Carrot Cake

19 Ingredients

For the icing

50grams unsalted butter, softened
100grams cream cheese, at room temperature
200grams icing sugar
1/2tablespoons vanilla extract
2 oranges

1 cup sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing
1 pinch salt
100grams walnuts
3 large large eggs
225grams soft light brown sugar
1teaspoons vanilla extract
200grams carrots, finely grated
100grams sultanas
200grams self-raising flour
75grams wholemeal self-raising flour
1teaspoons cinnamon
1teaspoons ground ginger
1/4tablespoons nutmeg, finely grated
1 orange, finely grated zest

Nutrition per serving

38% of daily energy intake*

Protein

Fat

Carbs

Sugars

Quantities above are a guide only. *Percentage daily energy intake is based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ.

Description

For a more luxurious cake, double the icing, slice the cake in two, and fill the middle as well.

Method

Step 1 of 18

Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas 4). Bake the walnuts for 5 minutes, until light brown.

Step 2 of 18

Put the nuts on a clean tea towel and rub them to remove excess skin. Set aside to cool.

Step 3 of 18

Pour the oil and eggs into a large bowl, tip in the sugar, and add the vanilla.

Step 4 of 18

Using an electric whisk, beat the oil mixture until it is lighter and noticeably thickened.

Step 5 of 18

Squeeze the grated carrot thoroughly in a clean tea towel to remove excess liquid.

Step 6 of 18

Gently fold the carrot into the cake batter, ensuring it is evenly blended throughout.

Step 7 of 18

Chop the cooled walnuts roughly, leaving some large pieces.

Step 8 of 18

Add the walnuts to the mixture, along with the sultanas, and gently fold them in.

Step 9 of 18

Sift over the 2 types of flour, then tip in any bran remaining in the sieve.

Step 10 of 18

Add the salt, spices, and orange zest, and fold all the ingredients together to combine.

Step 11 of 18

Oil the tin and line with parchment. Pour in the cake mix and smooth with a palette knife.

Step 12 of 18

Bake for 45 minutes. Test by inserting a skewer into the cake; it should come out clean.

Step 13 of 18

If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Step 14 of 18

Combine the butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla. Grate in the zest of 1 orange.

Step 15 of 18

Using an electric whisk, mix all the ingredients until smooth, pale, and fluffy.

Step 16 of 18

Using a palette knife, spread the icing over the cake. Make swirls for texture.

Step 17 of 18

For additional decoration, zest the remaining orange using a zester tool.

Step 18 of 18

Sprinkle the orange zest over the icing in an attractive pattern and transfer to a serving plate or cake stand.