In recognition of the irresistible appeal of mouth-watering carrot cake, February 3rd has been designated as National Carrot Cake Day. This joyous event is an open invitation to foodies from around the world and encourages them to explore the incredible diversity of ingredients found in diverse culinary cultures such as India. It offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and appreciate the kaleidoscope of tastes, textures and aromas skillfully achieved through the ingenious fusion of carrots and cakes.
Chef Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef, SJI Hospitality and Foods Private Limited, says: “National Carrot Cake Day not only pays tribute to the moist and flavorful carrot cake, but it is also a charming invitation for individuals to enjoy and share together. Here are our favorite interpretations of this timeless snack. From classic cream cheese frosting to creative additions like cardamom, saffron and subtle rose notes, the possibilities are truly endless. “This celebration sparks our collective passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes and urges everyone to embark on an incredible journey of sensory exploration.”
So on this momentous occasion, let us unite as connoisseurs of all things culinary and raise a toast to the extraordinary wonder that is carrot cake. Let us raise our forks together, savor the generous, luscious taste and embrace the sweetness of this heavenly creation.
National Carrot Cake Day is a special tribute to the enduring appeal of carrot cake. Here, people can enjoy the enticing taste of carrot cake while also enjoying innovative adaptations across a variety of culinary traditions.
Chef Surri shares recipes for you to enjoy.
Carrot Cake Recipe:
– 2 cups of grated carrots
– 1 cup mashed pineapple, drained
– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup softened butter
– 4 cups of powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
guideline:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to make it easy to remove the finished cake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix the grated carrots, mashed pineapple, and chopped nuts.
4. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Gently fold in carrot mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. When the cake is fully baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
9. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, continuing to beat until smooth.
11. Mix vanilla extract.
12. When the cake is completely cooled, assemble it and frost it. Place a layer of frosting on top of one layer of cake, then add the second layer. Coat the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
13. Optionally decorate the cake by adding chopped nuts or chopped carrots.
14. Enjoy a delicious carrot cake with a unique combination of pineapple, nuts, and cream cheese frosting!