Carrot Tea Cakes Recipe
Carrot tea cakes are delightful little treats perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. These moist and lightly spiced cakes combine the natural sweetness of carrots with aromatic spices, creating a soft and flavorful dessert or snack. Here’s how you can make these irresistible carrot tea cakes at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (150g) finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for added brightness)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Shredded coconut
- Dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the Carrots: Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet ingredients. Make sure the carrots are evenly distributed.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three additions, alternating with the milk or buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix, as this can make the cakes dense.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one-third at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest if using.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting over the tops.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
- Garnish the frosted cakes with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve the carrot tea cakes alongside your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy and delicious experience.
Tips for Success
- Grate the Carrots Finely: Using finely grated carrots ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter, providing moisture and sweetness without any large chunks.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to help the batter blend evenly.
Variations
- Add-ins: Mix in ½ cup of raisins or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Stir ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a zesty aroma.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted carrot tea cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If frosted, refrigerate the cakes for up to a week. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cakes individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Tea Cakes
Carrot tea cakes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. The warm spices paired with the natural sweetness of carrots make these cakes irresistible. Whether you serve them for an afternoon tea party, a quick snack, or a sweet dessert, they’re sure to delight everyone at the table.
Bake a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade carrot tea cakes!
