Zesty Grand Marnier Carrot Cake
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Zesty Grand Marnier Carrot Cake. This superbly moist cake artfully combines the sweetness of carrots and coconut with the vibrant brightness of mandarin oranges and the sophisticated warmth of Grand Marnier liqueur. Each slice is generously topped with a smooth and creamy orange-infused cream cheese frosting that will transport you to a heavenly paradise. Ideal for festive occasions, this wonderfully balanced dessert often reminds you of the most luxurious resort cakes. Originally conceived as the Sunshine Day Carrot Cake, it has been reimagined to elevate its deliciousness to a new level in honor of its brilliant taste. Bring joy to your gatherings with this dazzling treat and enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/4 cups (All-purpose, sifted)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (Ground)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (N/A)
salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (Undrained, chopped)
orange juice
Freshly squeezed to total 1 1/4 cups (N/A)
eggs
3 large (N/A)
white sugar
3/4 cup (N/A)
brown sugar
3/4 cup, packed (N/A)
oil
1 cup (Canola or vegetable oil)
Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon (or other orange liqueur)
orange zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
carrots
2 cups (Grated)
coconut
1 cup (Shredded)
pecans
1 cup (Chopped (optional))
cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
butter
1/4 cup (Softened)
Grand Marnier
1 1/2 teaspoons (or other orange liqueur)
powdered sugar
1 1/4 lbs (N/A)
orange juice
4 teaspoons (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the undrained mandarin oranges and pulse a few times until roughly chopped. Add freshly squeezed orange juice to reach a total of 1 1/4 cups of the mandarin orange-juice blend. Set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add both sugars and mix until combined. Next, stir in the oil, mandarin orange-juice blend, Grand Marnier liqueur, and orange zest until well blended.
5
Fold in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans if using.
6
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes (35 to 40 minutes for an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9
Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the Grand Marnier liqueur, followed by the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the consistency with freshly squeezed orange juice until it reaches a spreadable texture.
10
Once the cake is cooled, generously frost the top with the cream cheese frosting.
11
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese fresh. For optimal flavor, consider letting it come to room temperature before serving. The frosted cake can also be frozen for future enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
27
Carbs
2.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grand Marnier Carrot Cake?
It is a moist cake that combines carrots, coconut, mandarin oranges, and Grand Marnier liqueur, topped with an orange-infused cream cheese frosting.
What was the original name of this recipe?
This recipe was originally conceived as the Sunshine Day Carrot Cake.
What makes this carrot cake unique?
The addition of mandarin oranges, Grand Marnier liqueur, and orange zest creates a vibrant, resort-style flavor profile.
How long does the cake need to bake?
In a 9x13-inch pan, it takes 40 to 50 minutes. For an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan, it takes 35 to 40 minutes.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the mandarin oranges?
Pulse the undrained mandarin oranges in a blender or food processor a few times until they are roughly chopped.
How much orange juice blend do I need for the batter?
You need a total of 1 1/4 cups of the mandarin orange-juice blend.
What type of oil is recommended for this cake?
You can use either canola or vegetable oil.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped pecans, but they are listed as optional.
Is coconut included in the batter?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded coconut.
How many eggs are used in the Zesty Grand Marnier Carrot Cake?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, butter, Grand Marnier, powdered sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
How do I adjust the consistency of the cream cheese frosting?
You can adjust the texture by adding freshly squeezed orange juice until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
When should I frost the cake?
The cake must be allowed to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
How should the cake be stored?
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese fresh.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the frosted cake can be frozen for future enjoyment.
Should the cake be served cold?
While it should be stored in the fridge, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each slice?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the cake?
Each serving provides 2.3 grams of protein.
Can I substitute Grand Marnier?
Yes, you can use other orange liqueurs if Grand Marnier is unavailable.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 20 different ingredients including the frosting components.
What kind of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses a combination of 3/4 cup white sugar and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar.
How much cinnamon is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What is the amount of powdered sugar used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 1 1/4 lbs of powdered sugar.
How much grated carrot is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated carrots.
What occasions is this cake best for?
It is ideal for festive occasions, Easter, birthdays, or special gatherings.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.