Treasure Cake
A moist, flavorful carrot cake packed with raisins, chocolate chips, and walnuts, perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to those who enjoy hearty, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soft shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups mashed cooked carrots ⓘ
- 2 cups unbleached flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oat bran ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unprocessed wheat bran ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups raisins ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Begin by beating together in a large bowl the shortening, sugar, eggs, and mashed cooked carrots.
- Next, stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 325° F (163° C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have oat bran, you can replace it with an equal amount of whole wheat flour. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. Ensure your carrots are well-mashed to maintain a smooth batter texture. This cake can be enjoyed as a dessert or a breakfast treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Treasure Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside Harriet'S Chocolate Cake at a dessert buffet. This cake is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, providing a hearty, sweet option for everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Treasure Cake contains roughly 580 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% 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 fresh carrots instead of cooked?
While fresh carrots can be grated and used, they should be cooked and mashed for the best texture and flavor. Cooking the carrots enhances their natural sweetness and ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a moist cake.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different texture, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds. Both options will add crunch without compromising the overall flavor of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.
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).