Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake(Pillsbury Winner)
A moist, flavorful carrot cake infused with raisins soaked in brandy and warm spices, perfect for elegant gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brandy ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups grated carrots ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- At least 2 days before serving, put raisins in a medium saucepan with brandy.
- Soak overnight at room temperature.
- The next day, add water, sugar, butter, carrots, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the raisin mixture.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 10 minutes; remove from heat.
- Pour into a large mixing bowl.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.
- The next day, heat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch angel food tube or 12-cup fluted pan.
- Add chopped black walnuts, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the carrot mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider substituting half of the brandy with orange juice. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can replace black walnuts with sunflower seeds. Ensure the carrots are finely grated for even distribution. Mixing in some crushed pineapple can add moisture and sweetness, similar to how it's used in other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. It also complements well with a light salad, such as Lo-Cal Salad, for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake(Pillsbury Winner) contains roughly 1136 calories, with 24g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and potassium (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1830mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
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 different nuts in this carrot cake?
Absolutely! While black walnuts add a distinct flavor, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the batter.
How can I make this carrot cake healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by half and replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Can I freeze this carrot cake?
Yes, you can freeze the carrot cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best taste and texture.
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).