Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with the warm spice of ginger. This cake is ideal for various occasions, from afternoon tea to birthday celebrations. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of carrots, ginger, and walnuts creates a rich flavor profile that is sure to please.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the vegetable oil and fresh ingredients, this cake remains moist and tender.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully create this tasty treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or elevate it with a creamy icing for special occasions.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough cake to serve up to 8 people, making it great for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the process and ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin
• Baking parchment

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps with mixing dry ingredients separately before combining them with wet ones.
• Whisk: Essential for achieving a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients without creating lumps.
• Springform cake tin: Allows easy removal of the cake without damaging its delicate structure.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Nigella Lawson’s Carrot and Ginger Cake is made with plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, fine sea salt, soft light brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, carrots, walnut pieces, and crystallised ginger. This delicious Carrot and Ginger Cake recipe creates a moist and flavorful dessert that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

For the Cake

• 200 grams (1 ⅔ cups) plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 175 grams (¾ cup) soft light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 200 millilitres (⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons) vegetable oil (plus more for greasing)
• 200 grams (1 ⅔ cups) carrots (peeled and coarsely grated)
• 100 grams (1 cup) walnut pieces (roughly chopped or crumbled)
• 75 grams (⅓ cup) crystallised ginger (finely chopped)

For the Icing

• 100 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter (soft)
• 100 grams (1 cup) icing sugar (sieved if lumpy)
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 100 grams (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) full-fat cream cheese (fridge-cold)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (coarsely grated)
• 25 grams (¼ cup) walnut pieces (roughly chopped or crumbled)
• 25 grams (2 tablespoons) crystallised ginger (chopped)

How to Make Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C Fan) or 325°F. Grease the sides and line the base of a 20cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and fine sea salt. Mix well using a fork until evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, beat together the soft light brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until well mixed. Gradually add the flour mixture while scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. The batter will be thick. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and crystallised ginger until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spoon the batter into your prepared tin and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45–55 minutes or until golden brown. A cake tester should come out with just a few crumbs attached. Allow it to cool in the tin on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Icing

In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and icing sugar until creamy. Gradually mix in cornflour followed by half of the cold cream cheese. Incorporate any remaining cream cheese smoothly into your icing mixture. Squeeze grated fresh ginger using kitchen roll to extract juice; add this juice into your icing mixture and stir well. Cover with cling film and refrigerate until needed.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

Once completely cooled down from baking time, remove your cake from its tin carefully onto a cake stand or plate. Allow your icing to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes before spreading it on top of your cake in swirls. Finally sprinkle over chopped walnuts alongside some extra crystallised ginger pieces for decoration.

This Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake is not only delightful but also an impressive dessert that will surely be loved by all who try it!

How to Serve Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

Serving Nigella Carrot and Ginger Cake can elevate your dessert experience. This cake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that complement various accompaniments.

Classic Cream Cheese Icing

• A generous layer of cream cheese icing adds a rich and tangy balance to the sweetness of the cake.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve slices with fresh fruits like berries or orange segments for a refreshing contrast and added color.

Whipped Coconut Cream

• For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a light and fluffy topping that pairs well with the spices in the cake.

Tea or Coffee Pairing

• Enjoying this cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances its flavors, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

Ice Cream Scoop

• A scoop of vanilla or ginger-flavored ice cream adds creaminess and complements the cake’s texture beautifully.

Nuts on Top

• Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or pecans over the icing for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

To achieve the best results with your Nigella Carrot and Ginger Cake, consider these essential tips that ensure moistness and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh carrots and high-quality ginger to maximize flavor and moisture in your cake.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. They blend better with the oil and sugar, leading to a smoother batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent a dense texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before icing. This prevents melting and ensures your icing stays firm on top.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Nigella Carrot and Ginger Cake can enhance its flavors even further. Here are some delightful options:

1. Citrus Salad
2. A vibrant mix of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
3. Spiced Chai Tea
4. The warm spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the ginger, elevating your dessert experience.
5. Nutty Granola
6. A bowl of crunchy granola sprinkled on top provides texture and a wholesome element alongside the cake.
7. Roasted Pears
8. Serve warm roasted pears drizzled with honey for a sweet, caramelized addition that complements the cake’s flavors.
9. Yogurt Parfait
10. Layered yogurt parfaits with fruits can provide a creamy contrast while adding probiotics to your meal.
11. Caramel Sauce
12. Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent treat that works wonderfully with ginger notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Not preheating your oven or using the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C Fan) before you start mixing your ingredients.
• Skipping the Dry Ingredients Mixing: Failing to mix the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices thoroughly with the flour may result in uneven rising. Make sure to combine these dry ingredients well before adding them to the batter.
• Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of the cake. Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined when adding the dry ingredients, then gently fold in the carrots and other additions.
• Not Allowing Cake to Cool Properly: Removing the cake from the tin too soon can cause it to break. Let it cool completely in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 5 days.

Freezing Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

• Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.

How can I make Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

What can I substitute for walnuts in this recipe?

You can use pecans or sunflower seeds as alternatives if you prefer or have nut allergies.

Can I add more ginger flavor?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of ground ginger or add fresh ginger for an extra kick in flavor.

How do I store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just rebeat before using again.

Final Thoughts

Nigella Carrot And Ginger Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different nuts or adjusting spice levels according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home!