Delicious Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe for Fall

The Ultimate Treat: Homemade Carrot Cake and Coffee

As the crisp air and changing leaves welcome the arrival of fall, there’s nothing more comforting than a cozy treat. But, when it comes to carrot cake, grabbing one from the store often leads to disappointment. Many of these cakes, though they may look stunning on the bakery shelf, are packed with preservatives that alter the flavor and can be harmful to your body. Sometimes, a cake looks divine, but one bite reveals a stale or overly sweet taste that’s nothing like homemade. Making your own carrot cake is surprisingly easy, and with a few simple shortcuts, you can whip up a fresh, delicious cake at home that’s free of unnecessary additives. When I was growing up, my mother used to make carrot cake all the time and everyone loved it. A couple of years ago, I looked up her recipe and started making it again. Everywhere I take it, it is a top hit! So…..here you go, this is my mom’s recipe!

The Besttt Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe

When it comes to carrot cake, the homemade version wins every time. This recipe is packed with natural flavors, perfectly moist, and just the right amount of sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (the recipe says chopped walnuts but most of the time I don’t even bother to chop them or to measure them! I just add a lot!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease your cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

Let the cake cool completely before topping it with cream cheese frosting for that classic carrot cake touch.

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chopped nuts (for decorating)

Instructions:

1. Combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
2. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread the mixture over the top of the cooled carrot cake.
4. Decorate with chopped nuts.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips to Make It Even Easier

While homemade carrot cake may sound like a lot of work, there are some simple shortcuts to streamline the process without sacrificing flavor.

• Buy pre-grated carrots: Save yourself some time by using store-bought shredded carrots. It’s a game-changer when you’re short on time.
• Use PAM spray for greasing: Skip the mess of butter and flour and use a non-stick spray like PAM. It works perfectly for greasing your cake mold in seconds.
• Freeze the batter: You can make a large batch of batter and freeze it. This way, you’ll always have it ready for when that carrot cake craving strikes.
• Freeze cake slices: Another great tip is to freeze individual slices of cake. Just pull out a piece whenever you want a quick treat—simply thaw and enjoy!

The Perfect Coffee Pairing for Carrot Cake

What could be better than enjoying a fresh slice of carrot cake with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee? For the ultimate pairing, I suggest trying black coffee made in a French Press or a creamy cappuccino.

Here’s how to make the perfect French Press coffee:

French Press Coffee Recipe:

1. Grind your coffee beans using a burr grinder for the freshest flavor.
2. Add the ground beans to your French Press.
3. Boil water and pour a small amount over the beans. Let them swell for 20-30 seconds.
4. Pour the remaining water and set a timer for 4 minutes.
5. Once the timer is up, gently press the plunger down.
6. Serve immediately and savor the smooth, rich taste alongside your carrot cake.

Whether you prefer a black coffee or a frothy cappuccino, this combination will elevate your fall afternoon into a cozy, blissful experience.

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Want more delicious coffee recipes to pair with your favorite treats? Head over to our website at La Amalia 1888 to download our free Coffee Basics and Principles Brochure. You’ll find a collection of fabulous coffee recipes that will enhance your coffee experience. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coffee stories, recipes, and exclusive information! Enjoy! Cheers to you and to good coffee!