Nana Jake's Classic Carrot Cake
This delightful carrot cake is a cherished family recipe passed down from my beloved grandmother, Jake. As I reminisce about her warm kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked goods, this cake embodies the love and sweetness she instilled in all her creations. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake brings comfort and joy, making it perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet way to remember the past. Each bite transports me back to those cherished family gatherings, making it not just a dessert but a heartfelt tribute to Nana Jake.
12
Servings
292
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
4 (large, beaten)
granulated sugar
2 cups (measured)
vegetable oil
1 cup (measured)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (measured)
ground cinnamon
2-3 teaspoons (measured)
wheat germ
2 tablespoons (measured)
allspice
1 teaspoon (measured)
buttermilk
1 tablespoon (measured)
canned carrots
4 1/3 ounces (drained and mashed)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
powdered sugar
1 pound (sifted)
lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cake pan by greasing and flouring it.
2
Drain the canned carrots thoroughly and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, wheat germ, and allspice. Mix well and set aside.
4
In another bowl, whip the eggs until they are smooth and frothy. Gradually add the sugar and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined and creamy.
5
Combine the dry flour mixture with the egg mixture, and then fold in the mashed carrots until everything is well mixed.
6
Add the buttermilk and chopped walnuts to the batter, folding gently until fully incorporated.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9
In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting by creaming together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, continuing to mix until well combined and smooth.
10
Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
11
Slice and serve your Nana Jake's Classic Carrot Cake for a delightful dessert. Enjoy the warmth of cherished memories with every bite!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
32g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nana Jake's Classic Carrot Cake?
It is a cherished family recipe for a moist carrot cake with velvety cream cheese frosting passed down from the creator's grandmother, Jake.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 292 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for about 50 minutes.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
The recipe requires 4 large, beaten eggs.
What type of carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 1/3 ounces of canned carrots, which should be drained and mashed.
Is vegetable oil used in this cake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of vegetable oil.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 2 cups of granulated sugar.
What spices provide the flavor in this cake?
The flavor comes from ground cinnamon and allspice.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there a specific ingredient used for texture or health?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of wheat germ.
How much baking soda is required?
You need 2 teaspoons of sifted baking soda.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, it requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
What liquid is added at the end of the batter preparation?
1 tablespoon of buttermilk is added along with the walnuts.
Are there nuts in this carrot cake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of unsalted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and lemon juice.
How much butter is needed for the frosting?
You need 1 cup of softened unsalted butter.
How much cream cheese is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Is vanilla extract used in the frosting?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the frosting mixture.
How much powdered sugar is required for the frosting?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of sifted powdered sugar.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to the frosting.
How do you prepare the cake pan?
The cake pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
How do you know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should the cake be cooled before frosting?
Yes, the cake must be allowed to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 32g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 3.3g of protein in each serving.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert.
What tags are associated with Nana Jake's Carrot Cake?
Tags include carrot cake, dessert, family recipe, comfort food, cake, sweet treat, baking, and nostalgic.