Description
Homemade carrot cake squares provide a delectable dessert experience with rich spices and smooth cream cheese frosting. Sweet layers combine classic ingredients, promising comfort and satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) grated carrots
- ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ tsp (7.5 ml) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground ginger
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl, eliminating potential lumps.
- Butter-Sugar Transformation: Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation. Mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Batter Construction: Delicately fold sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter for maximum taste complexity.
- Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.
- Doneness Verification: Check cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
- Cooling and Frosting Preparation: Allow cake to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, whip cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Final Assembly: Once cooled, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the cake’s surface using an offset spatula. Slice into uniform squares and serve at room temperature, storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and sugar to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Mix Gently: Fold ingredients carefully to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent dense, tough cake squares.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Toothpick test is crucial – a few moist crumbs are okay, but wet batter means more baking time needed.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and achieve clean, smooth frosting application.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 22
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 221 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg