Carrot cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, but have you ever tried a Jamaican twist on this beloved treat? Our Jamaican carrot cake recipe is a delicious and unique take on the traditional dessert, featuring bold flavors and a moist, tender texture. Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, raisins, and shredded coconut.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them and placing them on wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake, then place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of entire cake)
- Calories: 470
- Total fat: 29g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
- Sodium: 385mg
- Total carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 33g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 2 9-inch cake pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wire racks
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
This Jamaican carrot cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra special touch, try topping your slice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Variations
If you want to switch up the flavors in this recipe, you can try adding different spices or mix-ins. Try adding some ground cloves or cardamom for an even more unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, like walnuts or cranberries.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the spices called for in this recipe, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead. You can also substitute the vegetable oil for canola or coconut oil, and the pecans for almonds or walnuts.
Storage
This Jamaican carrot cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Tips
- Be sure to grate your carrots finely so that they blend well into the cake batter.
- If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can leave them out or substitute them with cranberries or chopped dates.
- Make sure your cream cheese frosting is at room temperature before spreading it on the cake. This will make it easier to work with.
Notes
If you want to make this cake even more flavorful, try soaking your raisins in rum overnight before adding them to the batter. This will give the cake a delicious, boozy kick!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
We recommend using all-purpose flour for the best results, but you can try substituting with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?
You can substitute the vegetable oil with canola oil, coconut oil, or even melted butter if you prefer.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the chopped pecans if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t like nuts. The cake will still be delicious without them.
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal thoughts or feelings, but I can tell you that this Jamaican carrot cake recipe is a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert. The combination of spices and mix-ins like pecans and coconut give the cake a bold and flavorful taste, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. This cake is sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s easy enough to make that even novice bakers can give it a try. So go ahead and whip up a batch of this Jamaican carrot cake for your next gathering, and watch as everyone raves about how delicious it is!