Brazilian Carrot Cake

Brazilian Carrot Cake is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, known for its vibrant color and unique topping made with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Brazilian Carrot Cake, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 300 grams carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
• 3 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

For the Topping:

• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan.
2. Blend the Carrots:
   • In a blender, add the roughly chopped carrots, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Pour the carrot mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Butter:
   • Melt the room temperature butter and add it to the batter, stirring until well incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter into Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
3. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. Melt Chocolate:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the chopped bittersweet chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Butter:
   • Add the sweetened condensed milk and butter to the melted chocolate, stirring until smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in Heavy Cream:
   • Add the heavy cream to the mixture, stirring until the topping is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Top the Cake:
   • Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the chocolate topping over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Set the Topping:
   • Allow the topping to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice and serve the Brazilian Carrot Cake. Enjoy this unique and delicious dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Carrots: Ensure the carrots are well blended to achieve a smooth batter. If needed, blend in batches.
• Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of pan used. Start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.

Variations:

• Nutty Carrot Cake:
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Spiced Carrot Cake:
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
• Cream Cheese Topping:
  • For a different twist, top the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Yes, you can use baby carrots. Measure by weight (300 grams) to ensure the correct amount.

2. How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze Brazilian Carrot Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cake (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the topping.

4. What can I serve with Brazilian Carrot Cake?

This cake pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

5. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate, depending on your preference.

Brazilian Carrot Cake is a unique and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant color, moist texture, and rich chocolate topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delightful flavors. Give this Brazilian Carrot Cake recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful treat. Happy baking!