Gigi's Ultimate One-Layer Carrot Cake Delight
As a dedicated carrot cake enthusiast, I've explored countless varieties in restaurants and bakeries, but nothing compares to Gigi's Ultimate One-Layer Carrot Cake Delight. This recipe yields a stunningly soft and moist cake that becomes even more luscious after spending a night in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simplifying the process, I crafted a one-layer version that maintains all the deliciousness without the fuss of stacking multiple layers. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any carrot cake lover. Enjoy a slice, and discover why this is the carrot cake recipe you'll want to make again and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (softened)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the pan)
granulated sugar
2 cups (none)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
large eggs
4 (beaten)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
grated carrots
3 cups (freshly grated)
chopped toasted pecans
1 cup (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1 pound (sifted)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
chopped toasted pecans
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
4
Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar to the butter, mixing until well combined.
5
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
6
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with 4 large eggs. Begin with a portion of the dry ingredients, followed by an egg, and repeat until all ingredients are incorporated.
7
Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, then add 3 cups of grated carrots, mixing on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
8
Fold in 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, invert the cake onto a wire rack, remove the parchment, and let it cool completely.
12
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
13
Gradually add 1 pound of confectioners' sugar, mixing constantly until smooth. Then, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans, mixing until well combined.
14
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top and around the edges of the cake.
15
Allow the cake to set briefly before slicing into wedges and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gigi's Ultimate One-Layer Carrot Cake Delight?
It is a stunningly soft and moist carrot cake simplified into a single layer, known for its luscious texture that improves after a night in the fridge.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What type of cake pan is required?
You will need a 9-inch round cake pan.
How should the cake pan be prepared?
Grease the pan with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
How much butter is used in the cake batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of softened unsalted butter for the batter.
What dry ingredients are used in this recipe?
The dry ingredients include 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How many eggs are needed for the carrot cake?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs.
How do you incorporate the eggs and dry ingredients?
They should be added to the butter and sugar mixture alternately, starting with the dry ingredients.
How many cups of carrots are needed?
You will need 3 cups of freshly grated carrots.
Are pecans used in the cake batter?
Yes, 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans is folded into the batter.
How long does the carrot cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do you know when the cake is done baking?
A cake tester inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 pound of confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans.
Does the recipe use baking powder?
No, this recipe specifically uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Can the cake be eaten immediately after baking?
While it can be eaten once cooled and frosted, it is recommended to let it sit in the fridge overnight for the best flavor.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
There are 2 cups of granulated sugar in the cake batter.
What kind of vanilla is recommended?
The recipe specifies using pure vanilla extract for both the cake and the frosting.
How many total cups of pecans are used in the entire recipe?
A total of 2 cups of chopped toasted pecans are used: 1 cup in the batter and 1 cup in the frosting.
Should the pecans be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for toasted pecans to enhance the flavor.
What is the benefit of a one-layer carrot cake?
It simplifies the process by removing the need to stack and level multiple layers while maintaining the same delicious taste.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Yes, using parchment paper on the bottom of the pan ensures easier removal of the cake.
What is the texture of Gigi's Carrot Cake?
The texture is described as stunningly soft and moist.
How much cream cheese is in the frosting?
The frosting uses 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much confectioners' sugar is required for the frosting?
The recipe requires 1 pound of sifted confectioners' sugar.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a cake and dessert.
Should the carrots be freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3 cups of freshly grated carrots for the best results.
How do you apply the frosting?
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and pecan frosting on top and around the edges of the completely cooled cake.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of standard salt.
What is the final step before serving?
Allow the cake to set briefly after frosting before slicing it into wedges.