Emily helps stir the frosting
One of the most popular desserts this time of year is carrot cake. In addition to the fact that it is a delicious and moist, it also seems to go really well with the whole Easter theme (since bunnies eat carrots right). Yes, the true meaning of Easter has far greater significance than the flavor of a cake or a decorative theme. It is still fun to have special family traditions and recipes for our holidays.
Not only is Easter an important holiday this month… it will also soon be my friend Heather’s birthday. I thought I’d share a few photos of the adventure I had cooking a special birthday carrot cake (her favorite flavor) a few years ago with her daughters.
Classic Carrot Cake
If you prefer a “high profile” cake, like the ones many gourmet bakeries sell today, double the recipe and stack the 4 layers together. Secure the stack with a drinking straw or bamboo skewer (in 2 or more places) if necessary for more stability. To quickly bring your eggs to room temperature add them to a bowl of very warm tap water until they no longer feel chilled.
4 eggs at room temperature
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cups finely shredded carrots
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat oven to 350º. Spray 2, 9” baking pans with non-stick cooking spray; line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl beat the eggs. Add the oil and carrots. In another medium bowl combine the remaining dry ingredients and whisk together to thoroughly blend. Add egg mixture to dry mixture and stir to mix. Divide evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven, cool completely, carefully remove from pans and peel off parchment.
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 TBSP vanilla extract
About 6 cups of powdered sugar
In a large bowl beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add Vanilla and mix. Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each cup is added, until you reach the desired consistency.
