The Saltgrass Carrot Cake Recipe is an indulgent delight that turns an ordinary evening into a special occasion.
Known for its moist texture and rich flavor, this cake is a beloved dessert for many. In this article, I’ll share a homemade version of the Saltgrass Carrot Cake Recipe that captures the essence of this classic dessert.
Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you recreate that irresistible charm in your kitchen.
Share Personal Experience
I first tried the Saltgrass Carrot Cake at a family gathering last year. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spices, coupled with the creamiest frosting, made me an instant fan.
It’s now my go-to recipe for festive occasions, always earning rave reviews!
Equipment List
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Cake leveler or knife (optional)
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and a half teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 and a half cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup raisins
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Saltgrass Carrot Cake Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4:
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and light in color. Gradually add oil, yogurt, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
Step 5:
Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in carrots, pineapple, walnuts, and raisins.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8:
For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
Step 9:
Once the cakes are cool, level them with a knife if needed. Spread frosting on the first layer, add the second layer on top, and frost the outside of the cake.
Step 10:
Garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
Tips For Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter; it can make the cake dense.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- If the cake tops dome during baking, level them with a cake leveler for even layers.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts and add extra raisins or dried cranberries.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based yogurt, and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
- Sugar-Free: Substitute granulated and powdered sugar with a granular and powdered sugar substitute suitable for baking.
- Tropical Twist: Add coconut flakes to the batter and garnish with toasted coconut on top of the frosting.
Conclusion
This Saltgrass Carrot Cake Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a slice of Saltgrass Steakhouse into their home kitchen.
The cake is not only a joy to make but also a delight to serve, ensuring smiles all around the table. Enjoy the baking and even more, the tasting!
FAQs
How should I store the leftover carrot cake?
The cake should be stored in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months, ideally without the frosting.
Is the Saltgrass Carrot Cake suitable for a vegan diet?
The traditional recipe includes eggs and dairy, but it can be adapted for a vegan diet by substituting eggs with flax eggs, regular yogurt with plant-based yogurt, and using vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Can I make the Saltgrass Carrot Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Make sure to check the blend is suitable for cakes to ensure it provides the right texture and binding properties.
Saltgrass Carrot Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
- Cake leveler or knife (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and a half teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 and a half cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup raisins
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and light in color. Gradually add oil, yogurt, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in carrots, pineapple, walnuts, and raisins.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
- Once the cakes are cool, level them with a knife if needed. Spread frosting on the first layer, add the second layer on top, and frost the outside of the cake.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter; it can make the cake dense.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- If the cake tops dome during baking, level them with a cake leveler for even layers.
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