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Brazilian Carrot Cake

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: BRAZIL
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • the Cake:
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and chopped (about 250 g or 2 cups)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup 180 ml vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups 300 g granulated sugar
  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Chocolate Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
  2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or a Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This ensures that the cake will release easily and have a clean, attractive appearance.
  3. Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients:
  4. In a blender, combine the chopped carrots, eggs, and vegetable oil. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the cake’s signature moist texture and vibrant color. Ensure there are no chunks of carrots remaining.
  5. Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  6. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a light and airy cake.
  7. Step 4: Combine the Batter:
  8. Pour the blended carrot mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. The batter should be smooth with no streaks of flour.
  9. Step 5: Bake the Cake:
  10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at 35 minutes.
  11. Step 6: Cool the Cake:
  12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart while it is still warm and delicate.
  13. Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze:
  14. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil and thicken slightly (about 3-4 minutes). The glaze should be smooth and glossy.
  15. Step 8: Cool the Glaze:
  16. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken slightly, making it easier to spread over the cake.
  17. Step 9: Glaze the Cake:
  18. Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to adhere to the cake and create a beautiful, glossy finish.