Carrot Cake(Makes 12 Servings)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful carrot cake with warm cinnamon, chopped pecans, and tender grated carrots, perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Crisco oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 6)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add sugar, oil, salt, soda, cinnamon, and vanilla to the eggs and mix well.
  3. Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister carrot cake, consider adding 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple, drained, to the batter. If you don't have Crisco oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. To enhance the flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or a handful of raisins. Always ensure that the grated carrots are well-packed for accurate measurement.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting for a classic pairing, or try a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter option. It pairs beautifully with Fantastic Brownies for a dessert spread. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carrot Cake(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 412 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (154% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).

412 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 10.4g 37% DV
Sugar 20.8g 42% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 785.4mg 34% DV
Potassium 1288.9mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 77.6mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1388.5mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Calcium 164.7mg 13% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but the texture may be denser. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness in your carrot cake.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free carrot cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure. Always check that all other ingredients, like baking soda, are gluten-free.

Can I add other nuts or fruits to the cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor. Additionally, adding raisins or dried cranberries can enhance the cake's texture and sweetness. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content when adding fruits.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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