Moist carrot and orange cake with tangy orange frosting

Enjoy a delicious treat with this moist carrot and orange cake, perfect for rainy afternoons or anytime you're craving a comforting dessert. The combination of sweet carrots and tangy orange creates a beautifully balanced flavor, while the rich butter adds a tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. replaces the word nice with emptypped with tangy orange frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.

Why you'll love this: You'll love this orange carrot cake for its unique combination of flavors and incredibly moist texture. The sweetness of the carrots perfectly complements the bright citrus notes of the orange juice and zest. The orange glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite burst with freshness. This cake is easy to prepare and produces consistently delicious results, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire.

Perfect occasion: This orange carrot cake is perfect for any occasion, from informal family gatherings to more formal celebrations. It's a great choice for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a dessert for a special dinner. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make this a standout dessert that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is sure to please.

Decorating Tips: For an elegant finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also decorate with thin orange slices or small edible flowers for a pop of color. If you're feeling creative, pipe the orange frosting in a decorative pattern on top of the cake. Adding a few slices of candied carrots can also enhance the visual appeal and give an idea of ​​what's inside.

Ingredients (for a 24×11 cm mold):

For the cake:

• 120 g softened butter
• 160g of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 180g carrots
• 50g orange juice
• The zest of 1 orange
• 210 g all-purpose flour
• 9g of baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For the syrup:

• 50g orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of sugar

For the orange icing:

• 3 large tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice

Instructions:

Prepare the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) with top and bottom heat. Butter or line a 24×11 cm loaf pan with baking paper.
2. Peel and cut the carrots into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar and orange zest until light and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
5. In a blender or food processor, puree the cooked carrots with the orange juice until smooth. Add this carrot puree to the butter mixture and mix well.
6. Sift together the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the syrup:

1. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the orange juice and sugar. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a simple syrup.

Glazing and finishing:

1. Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Pour the syrup over the hot cake, letting it penetrate.
2. Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Once the cake is warm or completely cooled, prepare the frosting.
3. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the orange juice, adding the juice gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Pour the icing over the cake.

Enjoy your moist carrot and orange cake with a tangy orange frosting!