Carrot Cake Recipe: Based on NeemTime research
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – 684 calories
1 teaspoon baking powder – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon salt – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – negligible calories
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – negligible calories
2 large eggs – 140 calories
1/2 cup vegetable oil – 960 calories
1 cup granulated sugar – 774 calories
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – 6 calories
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots) – 100 calories
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – 200 calories
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened – 400 calories
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 400 calories
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – 600 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 6 calories
Total Calories for the Cake and Frosting:
3,870 calories (for the entire cake including frosting)
Calories per serving (for 4 servings): 967 calories per slice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease and Flour the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. (No calories added in this step)
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Set aside. (684 calories from flour)
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. (140 calories from eggs and 774 calories from sugar)
Add Oil and Vanilla: Add 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the egg-sugar mixture. Mix well until combined. (960 calories from oil and 6 calories from vanilla)
4. Add Grated Carrots
Add Carrots: Grate 2 cups of carrots (about 3 medium carrots) and fold them into the wet mixture. This will add moisture and texture to the cake. (100 calories from carrots)
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. Make sure not to overmix the batter.
6. Add Walnuts (Optional)
Add Walnuts: If using, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. (200 calories from walnuts)
7. Bake the Cake
Transfer to Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (No calories added in this step)
8. Cool the Cake
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. (No calories added in this step)
9. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. (400 calories from cream cheese and 400 calories from butter)
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. (600 calories from powdered sugar and 6 calories from vanilla)
10. Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cake. You can also frost the sides if you prefer a more decadent finish. (Total frosting calories: 1,006)
Total Calories Per Slice:
Total Calories for the Cake and Frosting: 3,870 calories
Calories Per Serving (for 4 servings): Approximately 967 calories per slice
This Carrot Cake is rich, moist, and perfectly complemented by tangy cream cheese frosting. The addition of walnuts provides extra flavor and texture, though they are optional. It’s a fantastic dessert to serve at any gathering or just as a treat for yourself!