What are the health benefits of Carrot?: Simple and Delicious Cake Recipe

Carrots are colorful, being orange in color, and sweet in flavor. They are a root vegetable dating back several hundred years. Actually, carrots were first cultivated for their leaves and seeds, which were fragrant, rather than for their roots. The carrot, as we know it, has changed a great deal over the ages. The modern carrot had its beginning in the area of Persia, now modern-day Iran and Afghanistan, where it was first domesticated About the 10th century.

Origin and Scientific Name

The carrot belongs to the species Daucus carota. The cultivated form is called Daucus carota subsp Sativus. Carrots are from the family Apiaceae, which also includes parsley, celery, and fennel.

Classification of Carrots

• Scientific Name: Daucus carota subsp. sativus
• Family: Apiaceae
• Origin: Persia (modern-day Iran and Afghanistan)
• Common Colors: Orange, purple, red, yellow, white
• Uses: Culinary (raw, cooked, juiced), medicinal (historically)

Required Ingredients for Gluten Free Carrot Cake:

• For the cake:
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (If you want to make this cake Gluten Free, use the gluten free flour instead of regular flour.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 cups (300g) grated carrots
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 cup (150g) raisins (optional)

• For the frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

You can check our another style carrot cake recipe here.

Let’s read the Best Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe Guide:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:

   ♦ Make ready you oven to provide the heat 350°F and apply some butter and flour to th pan

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   ♦ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside. Mix the flour (Gluten Free Flour) with baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and ginger.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   ♦ In a medium bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar and veg. oil and beat it well. Add the eggs one by one while string well and then pour the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   ♦ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
   Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and chopped raisins (if using).

5. Bake the Cake:

   ♦ Pour into the baking pans and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Then you have to allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack and cool completely.

   

6. Prepare the Frosting:

   ♦ In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and butter together until it became smooth and creamy. Then gradually add the powdered sugar with beating until smooth fluffy with adding vanilla extract.

7. Assemble the Cake:

   ♦ If using round cake pans, place one cake layer on a serving plate. and spread a layer of frosting on top.
   ♦ Now, place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
   ♦ If using a 9×13 inch pan, simply frost the top of the cake.

8. Serve:

   Make the appropriate slice and serve it for your family, friends or whoever you like. 😋😋

Nutritional Facts of Carrot Cake (per 100 grams)

Interesting Facts about Carrot

1. Ancient Origins: Carrots were first cultivated for their medicinal value and their seeds, not the root.
2. Rainbow Carrots: Not all carrots are orange. Although they can also be found in purple, red, yellow, and white.
3. High Beta-Carotene: An excellent source of beta-carotene, converted by the body into vitamin A.
4. Carrot Tops: The leafy green ends of carrots are quite edible and can add a fresh touch to salads and pesto.
5. World’s Largest Carrot: The heaviest carrot ever recorded weighed more than 10 kilograms.

   

6. Vision Myth: The belief that carrots improve night vision originated from World War II British propaganda.
7. Multifarious Uses: As we all known they make their way into the composition of a diverse list of dishes, ranging from soups and stews all the way through to cakes and juices.
8. Biennial Plant: Carrots are biennials, that is to say, they bloom and set seed in their second year.
9. Roots and Seeds: Actually, carrots were first bred for their seeds, which are used as a spice.
10. Hydration: One of the more hydrating vegetables is the carrot, with a water composition of approximately 88%.

Health Benefits of Carrot

1. Better Vision: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an essential element for good vision.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Carrot antioxidants protect the body against free radicals.
3. Heart Health: Generally, carrots are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, which are conducive to heart health.

4. Cancer Prevention:

   Carotenoids found in carrots have been linked to lowered rates of specific types of cancer.

5. Digestive Health: Fiber in carrots helps digestion and promotes healthy digestion.
6. Immune Support: Rich in vitamin A, carrots support immune function.
7. Skin Health: Antioxidants and vitamin A present in carrots support healthy skin. Weight
8. Management: Low in calories and a good source of fiber, carrots contribute much to weight loss.
9. Blood Sugar Regulation:Since carrots are very low on the glycemic index, it results in keeping the blood sugar at a balanced level.
10. Bone Health: Carrots contain both vitamin K and calcium, which are essential for bone health.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the carrot cake recipe?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will result in a bit of a denser cake. You may need to balance the quantity with the liquid ingredients.

How do I store carrot cake?

Store this carrot cake, in an airtight container, within the refrigerator for at most five days. You can also freeze carrot cake for up to three months.

Can I make the carrot cake without nuts and raisins?

Certainly yes, it will still rock without the nuts and raisins. You can also substitute with other mix-ins like shredded coconut or pineapple.

Is carrot cake healthy?

Carrot cake has some very good ingredients, like carrots and nuts, but it also contains huge amounts of sugar and fat. Use it in moderation within a balanced diet.

Can I use another type of frosting on the carrot cake?

Yes, you can go for various frostings like butter cream or whipped cream, even a basic glaze. The classic is cream cheese frosting.

Can I make this vegan?

You can replace the eggs with flaxseed or applesauce, then proceed with a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative for this vegan carrot cake frosting.

How do I know my carrot cake will be moist?

Using ultra-fine grated carrots keeps the carrot cake moist, and using oil instead of butter does the same. Don’t overbake to avoid dryness.

Can I add pineapple in my carrot cake?

Yes, crushed pineapple can be added for extra moisture and flavor. Just make sure to drain well to avoid excess water.

What kind of carrots should I use?

You should use the fresh ones, medium in size only, for perfect flavor and texture. Organic carrots will work well if available.

Can I make carrot cake cupcakes using this recipe?

yes,, you can fill liners with the batter and bake at the same temperature. Adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.