Regal Carrot Cake
A moist, spiced carrot cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, studded with pecans, perfect for celebrations or teatime gatherings that appreciate rich, flavorful desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; make a well in the center.
- Combine eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla and pour into the well.
- Beat with a large wooden spoon until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in grated carrots and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly pressed with a fingertip.
- Cool the cake in the baking pan on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Remove the cake from the pan and frost with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, you can substitute half the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to grate the carrots finely for even distribution in the batter. If you prefer nuts, walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different flavor. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger. This cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
Serving Suggestions
This Regal Carrot Cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. A side of fresh fruit salad complements the flavors beautifully. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with a cup of spiced chai or coffee. It also makes a wonderful dessert for holiday gatherings, alongside dishes like Christmas Brunch Strata.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it moist, you can cover it with plastic wrap. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Regal Carrot Cake contains roughly 428 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1177mg per serving (51% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh. Frost it the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture. If you want to prepare it even further in advance, you can freeze the unfrosted cake and thaw it before serving.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
If you prefer a less refined option, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may require adjusting the dry ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious and moist.
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).