Texas Best Loaded Carrot Cake Formulation

This formula will make three 10-inch single layer cakes or one double layer half-sheet cake. Bake the cakes just until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean to avoid having a dry carrot cake. Carrot cake is a classic for any bakery and we’re happy to share this traditional recipe with you. This cake may be made up to a month ahead and frozen (unfrosted and well wrapped).

Procedure

• Prepare Pans: 3 10-inch (3 inches deep) Round cake pans by lining them with a circle of parchment paper and grease the sides of the pans. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• In a 5-gallon mixer fitted with a whisk, whip eggs and sugar until light on medium speed.
• Add the oil to the egg mix in a thin steady stream.
• Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt and baking power in a large bowl stir well.
• In a separate bowl combine the carrots nuts and coconut.
• Add the dry ingredients to the egg/oil mixture and stir until just moist. Fold in the carrot mixture until evenly distributed. Divide between prepared pans (3lb 9.9 oz. per pan).
• Bake until the cake springs back to the touch, 40-50 minutes.
• Cool completely on a rack. Remove from the pans, remove the parchment paper.
• Frost as desired. Our Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting (below) is an excellent choice.

Home bakers can make this elegant carrot cake at home with excellent results.

Texas Best Loaded Carrot Cake

2 cups Panhandle Milling All-Purpose Flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 T ground cinnamon

¾ tsp. salt

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

1 cup raisins or dried cranberries

1 cup shredded coconut

1 tsp. orange zest

1 Tbsp. vanilla

2 cups brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 lbs. powdered sugar, sifted to remove lumps

1 tsp. lemon zest, micro grated or 6 drops lemon oil

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Toasted finely chopped nuts and/or toasted coconut, for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° and prepare 3 9-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment circles and grease sides or butter and flour.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In another bowl, stir together the carrots, chopped nuts, coconut, raisins, orange zest and vanilla.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the sugar and eggs. Add the oil in a steady stream until thick. Reduce the speed to low and gently stir in the flour mixture, mixing just until moist. Add the bowl of remaining ingredients and fold in, being careful to not overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly between the 3 pans and transfer into the oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Test the baked cakes with a knife inserted into the centers of the cakes, it should come out clean.
• Transfer the pans to cooling racks, cool for 5 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool to room temperature.

For the frosting:

• Working in a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sugar and extracts. Continue to beat until velvety smooth.

To frost the cake:

• Remove parchment from the bottom of the cakes and place one layer on a cake plate. Use the frosting to generously cover the first layer. Use an offset spatula and smooth the frosting all the way to the edges of the layer.
• Top with the second layer. Frost with frosting. Top with the last layer, frosting to cover the top and the sides of the cake.
• Garnish with toasted coconut or nuts. Finish the top layer with swirls of frosting or pipe designs on the top. Transfer the cake into the refrigerator to set the frosting. Yield: 1 9 inch, 3 layer cake, about 16 servings.

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