There are many versions of carrot cake but I can only tell you that this carrot, chia seeds and ginger cake is actually the most divine one of 'em all. I have made quite a few versions and I really like this one the most. Not quite sure why but it is good! Really good!
I've been making this for years and it's always been a great success especially with the children as we the adults rarely struggle with sweets and cakes.
Having said that I can say I am picky with cakes as I really dislike offensively sweet ones, I am sure you know what I mean.
Why this carrot, chia seeds and ginger cake?
Why I love this cake so much is purely because it is moist, it is full of flavour and is pretty healthy too, compared to other cakes of course. I often put wholegrain flour or even spelt one as it tastes absolutely delicious.
You don't need that many ingredients and since the cake contains no butter at all, can I say it's a pretty light cake? Well, I can tell you that it feels that way anyway!?
Of course, there is some butter in the frosting but you can choose not to put it in if you don't want it and just go for the cheese frosting.
It is purely delicious!
Okay let's get started I will tell you exactly what you need for this beautiful carrot and ginger cake.
Other cake recipes you may like :
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Marble cake with cacao and turmeric
- Extra Fluffy Apple muffins or cake
- Apple, carrot and zucchini cake with ginger and turmeric
- Tutti-frutti fluffy pancake cake with fruits and creme boolla-boolla
Carrot, chia seeds and ginger cake
Equipment
- ovenproof dish
- glass bowl
- spatula
- grater
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 300 g carrot (organic) grated
- 300 g plain flour
- 240 g brown sugar (soft and light)
- 250 ml oil (use a good oil)
- 150 g walnut (shelled and chopped) plus a few for decoration
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp double cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp soda bicarbonate
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar (to mix soda bicarbonate with)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp ginger (freshly grated)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (fine salt version)
- 2 sachets vanilla sugar (or 1/2 vanilla extract)
For the frosting:
- 400 g icing sugar (sifted)
- 80 g butter (unsalted, at room temperature)
- 250 g cream cheese (cooled, from the fridge)
- 1 tbsp double creme
- 2 tbsp creme fraiche
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
For the cake:
- You will need three 20 cm ( approx 8 inches) cake tins which you will need to line or grease.
- Preheat the oven at 170 C or 325 F or Gas Mark 3.
- In a freestanding electric mixer (attach paddle) put the sugar and eggs. Mix for 3-4 min and then in drizzle the oil little by a little while still mixing until it all incorporates.
- In a separate bowl mix the flour with soda bicarbonate, baking powder, cider vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, salt and vanilla extract or vanilla sugar. Add this slowly (spoon by spoon) to the egg mixture and continue to mix well until it becomes well homogenized.
- Put in the grated carrots and the chia seeds in and with a spatula fold this well into the mixture. You can now put some chopped nuts as well if you want or you can leave those for decoration only, it is up to you.
- Pour in the mixture into the three prepared cake tins and level it at the surface.
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it becomes all nice and golden brown on the surface and the sponge bounces back when you touch it.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely and then when they are cold put one sponge on the cake stand and then spread about a quarter of the cheese cream frosting over it with a knife. Place the second cake on top and spread another quarter of the frosting over it and then top the cake with a third sponge. Spread the remaining frosting over and go on the sides as well finishing the frosting all over the surface of the cake.
- Decorate the cake with the walnuts and a light sprinkle of cinnamon but you can also put some nuts inside the cake if you fancy.
For the frosting:
- Beat the icing sugar and the butter together in a freestanding electric mixer with a paddle attachment or simply use an electric whisker until the mixture comes together and it is well mixed.
- Add the cream cheese in one go and beat it until it's completely incorporated.
- Put in the double cream the crème fraîche and the lemon juice and bit further on a medium-high speed until the frosting it's light fluffy and firm; it should be at around 4 min. Do not overbeat as this can quickly become runny.
Notes
I will be coming back with a recipe for those two so don't worry if you don't feel that adventurous for the moment.
Geraldinne says
This loaf looks amazing and looked fairly simple and easy to make so I gave it a go. It came out phenomenal, honestly the best healthy treat I have ever had! I need to make this for my family when we gather together - my mum will be well impressed and proud of me. FAb recipe Ramona, thank you so much for sharing this gem recipe! It’s definitely my favorite way to eat zucchini now ;-).
Ramona says
Awe, thank you so much dear Geraldine! You have made my day, I am so happy you loved this as much as I do! I really hope your family will also enjoy it when you will be making it for them. I am sure your mum will be very proud of you! Thank you again!
Hanna says
Just tried this and it came out beautifully. I’m now hooked and will be adding this into my desserts meal plan a lot more. Thank you so much!
Ramona says
Thank you dear Hanna, I am thrilled you liked it! I hope you will try more of my recipes and let me know how you found them 😉
Alisha Ross says
Just tried this and it came out beautifully. I never loved veg cake before but this recipe…I’m now hooked and will be making this a lot more. Thank you so much!
Ramona says
Thank you for your feedback Alisha! I am so glad youliked it as much as we do. 😉