Decadent Brazilian Carrot Cake with Creamy Chocolate & Carrot Frosting
Decadent Brazilian Carrot Cake with Creamy Chocolate & Carrot Frosting is a moist and tender cake that blends the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with rich, velvety chocolate frosting enhanced by grated carrots. This unique dessert features warm spices and a perfectly balanced frosting, making it a delightful treat for any occasion with a touch of Brazilian charm.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh carrots, peeled and finely grated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup grated fresh carrot (for frosting)
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and finely grate the fresh carrots. The finer the grating, the better they will blend into the batter, ensuring a moist texture without large chunks.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until light and creamy. This mixture forms the base for the cake’s soft texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate Carrots and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots carefully to preserve the batter’s lightness.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Creamy Chocolate & Carrot Frosting: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the finely grated carrot. Let the frosting cool and thicken before spreading.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the chocolate and carrot frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife. Chill the cake briefly to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots to enhance moisture and flavor; avoid pre-packaged or shredded carrots.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to prevent overbaking and drying out the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- If frosting is too runny, chill longer or add a bit more cocoa powder to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Brazilian carrot cake, chocolate carrot frosting, moist carrot cake, chocolate frosting, Brazilian dessert, spiced carrot cake