
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
Thank you for signing up to GoodTo. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Chocolate carrot cake puts an indulgent spin on the British teatime treat.
This chocolate carrot cake recipe is ideal for any occasion from an afternoon picnic to weekday dessert. The creaminess of the frosting and the chocolate combined with the spice of the cinnamon and ginger really takes this classic cake recipe to the next level. But to give this cake an extra silky texture, we recommend finely shredding the carrots with a cheese grater. Then add to the mixture and be sure to stir well. To finish off, sprinkle the top of your chocolate cake with crushed or sliced walnuts.
Ingredients
For the sponge:
- 3 large free-range eggs
- 175g caster sugar
- 200ml sunflower oil
- 250g finely grated carrots (about 5 medium)
- 200g plain flour
- 3tbsp cocoa powder
- 1tbsp baking powder
- 1tsp ground cinnamon
- 1tsp ground ginger
- 125g walnut pieces or chopped pecans
For the filling and topping:
- 100g unsalted butter, very soft
- 100g good-quality cream cheese
- ½tsp vanilla essence
- 300g icing sugar, sifted
- 5tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 2tbsp walnut pieces or chopped pecans to decorate
- 2 x 20.5cm sandwich tins, greased and base-lined
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4).
- Put the eggs and sugar into the bowl of a food mixer and beat, with the whisk attachment, until very light and frothy. Gradually beat in the oil. Using a large metal spoon, stir in the carrots.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger into the bowl and stir in. Once thoroughly combined mix in the nuts.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared tins, dividing it evenly. Bake in the heated oven for 25 mins or until firm to the touch. Turn out the sponges on to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, make the filling and topping: put the soft butter, cream cheese, vanilla, icing sugar and cocoa into the bowl of a food mixer and beat, on low speed, until very smooth and creamy. Use about half to sandwich the sponges, then spread the rest on top. Scatter over the nuts.
Tips for making chocolate carrot cake:
Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese frosting rather than lower fat alternatives. Reduced and low-fat cream cheese always contains more liquid and stabilisers which will mix with the sugar and turn runny.
You might also like...
Goodto Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Grace Walsh is a Features Writer for Goodto.com, covering breaking news health stories during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as lifestyle and entertainment topics. She has worked in media since graduating from the University of Warwick in 2019 with a degree in Classical Civilisation and a year spent abroad in Italy. It was here that Grace caught the bug for journalism, after becoming involved in the university’s student newspaper and radio station.
-
Beetroot and butternut squash bruschetta
A flavour-packed bruschetta loaded with beetroot, butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, garlic and more...
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Oreo cupcakes
By Jessica Dady Published
-
Chocolate birthday cake
Our chocolate birthday cake recipe is the perfect treat for anyone celebrating a special milestone - and is ready in just six simple steps.
By Anna Bailey Published
-
Air fryer French toast bites
If you like French toast, you're going to love these air fryer French toast bites - the perfect weekend treat...
By Nathan Anthony Published
-
Air fryer fish tacos
Say hello to these mouthwatering air fryer fish tacos ready and on the table in just 20 minutes...
By Nathan Anthony Published
-
Air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash
Flavoursome brunch or dinner, this air fryer sweet potato and chorizo hash is a 15 minute favourite in the air fryer...
By Nathan Anthony Published
-
Surprisingly cheap Mother's Day gift mums ACTUALLY want as chocolate and jewellery drop in popularity
New research has found that many mums in the UK have a very simple wish list this Mother's Day
By Emma Dooney Published
-
What to write in a Valentine's Day card - Tips and templates to copy
Scratching your head about what to write in a Valentine's Day card? Check out these helpful tips - and failing that, copy these messages and wishes for your card instead.
By Emily Stedman Published
-
Chocolate fans 'devastated' as Cadbury removes Easter egg favourite from supermarkets
Cadbury are axing a delicious Easter treat
By Emma Dooney Published