Passover Carrot-Nut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Jewish

A moist Passover carrot-nut cake featuring ground carrots and walnuts, perfect for Seder meals, with a light texture and subtle sweetness from vanilla and powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup ground walnuts
  • 1 cup ground carrots
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup matzo cake meal
  • 6 egg whites
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Grind carrots and walnuts using a food grinder or food processor.
  2. In a small mixer bowl, beat egg yolks until light, about 5 minutes.
  3. Gradually add 1 cup sugar to the yolks, beating until thick and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes more.
  4. Blend in ground walnuts, ground carrots, and vanilla; stir in matzo cake meal.
  5. Wash beaters thoroughly.
  6. In a large mixer bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
  7. Fold some of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it.
  8. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the remaining egg whites.
  9. Turn the batter into an ungreased 8 or 8 1/2-inch springform pan.
  10. Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until tests done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider adding 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to the batter. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute ground walnuts with ground sunflower seeds. Ensure that all ingredients, especially matzo cake meal, are certified gluten-free if needed. This cake can also be enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of Cranberry Yogurt Sauce for a tart contrast. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or fresh fruit for balance. This cake can also be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a versatile dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Passover Carrot-Nut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. When reheating, place slices in the oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture. You can also serve it cold or at room temperature for a delightful texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Passover Carrot-Nut Cake contains roughly 404 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

404 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 15.2g 20% DV
Carbs 48.6g 18% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 35.2g 70% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 36.8mg 2% DV
Potassium 341.5mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 14.4mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 253.7mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 15.7mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 46.7mg 4% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Egg 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the Passover Carrot-Nut Cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar just before serving for the best presentation.

Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the cake, you can decrease the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just be sure to check the conversion ratios, as they can vary by brand.

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts provide a distinct flavor, you can substitute them with ground pecans or almonds for a different taste. Just ensure the nuts are ground finely to maintain the cake's texture. Each type of nut will lend its unique flavor, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

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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