Brazilian Carrot Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brazilian Carrot Cake is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, with a light, airy texture and a perfectly sweet flavor. The addition of chocolate glaze gives it an extra layer of decadence, making it a wonderful dessert or snack. It’s quick and easy to make, and you don’t need to worry about any cream cheese frosting—just a simple chocolate drizzle elevates this cake to the next level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious homemade cake, this Brazilian version of carrot cake is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

• 4 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the chocolate glaze:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 4 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Blend the carrots: In a blender or food processor, blend the chopped carrots until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure even blending.

3. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the pureed carrots and mix until well combined.

4. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the chocolate glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the glaze is smooth.

7. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings and takes around 45 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and easy cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Variations

• Add nuts: If you like nuts in your cake, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.

• Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Cream cheese glaze: For a twist, make a cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate glaze. It’s a classic pairing for carrot cake and adds a rich, tangy element.

• Fruit additions: Try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.

Storage/reheating

Brazilian Carrot Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without a blender or food processor?

Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can grate the carrots finely by hand using a box grater. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still work perfectly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I make this cake more moist?

The oil in the batter already helps keep the cake moist, but if you want an even more moist cake, you can add 1/2 cup of applesauce or yogurt to the batter.

Can I make this cake without the chocolate glaze?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate glaze for a lighter version of the cake, or dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time to bake.

Can I use a different frosting instead of chocolate glaze?

Absolutely! You can use a cream cheese frosting or even a simple buttercream frosting for a different flavor. Both pair wonderfully with carrot cake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just adjust the baking time and use a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch pan for each batch, or use two 8-inch round pans.

Conclusion

Brazilian Carrot Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that brings a fresh take to the traditional carrot cake with its light texture and delicious chocolate glaze. It’s quick to prepare and can be easily customized with nuts, spices, or different frosting options. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation. Give it a try today, and enjoy this Brazilian classic in the comfort of your own home!

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