She Strengthens

Carrot Cake Perfection: A Show-Stopping Recipe

A Cake Fit for a Wedding

Carrot cake is a timeless favorite, and this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. With its moist, flavorful texture and velvety-smooth frosting, it’s no wonder this cake has been chosen as a wedding cake by many happy couples.

The Secret to a Smooth Frosting

To achieve a perfectly smooth frosting, professional cake-makers use a technique called “crumb coating.” This involves applying a thin layer of frosting to the cake, refrigerating it, and then applying another layer of frosting. This clever trick ensures that the crumbs are sealed in, resulting in a flawless finish.

The Recipe

Carrot Cake

Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups maple syrup
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup apple juice
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 cups grated peeled carrots (from about 12 ounces)
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

Tofu Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 1/3 cup agar flakes
• 18 ounces vacuum-packed extra-firm silken tofu
• 7 ounces extra-firm water-packed tofu, drained
• 1 1/4 cups brown rice syrup
• 4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/4 cups walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend the maple syrup, oil, and apple juice until smooth.
3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt, and stir to combine.
4. Stir in the carrots, currants, and walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes completely before making the frosting.

Making the Frosting

1. Combine the apple juice and agar flakes in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Decrease the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the agar dissolves.
3. Blend the silken tofu, water-packed tofu, rice syrup, lemon zest, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt in a food processor until smooth.
4. Pour the juice mixture into the tofu mixture and blend until well combined.
5. Refrigerate the frosting for 4 hours, or until set.
6. Return the frosting to the food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a platter and spread 1 1/2 cups of frosting over the top.
2. Top with the second cake layer and spread half of the remaining frosting over the sides and top.
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the frosting is set.
4. Spread the remaining frosting over the sides and top of the cake.
5. Press the walnuts around the sides of the cake.
6. Cover the cake with a cake dome and refrigerate until serving.

Tips and Variations

This cake will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator. For a non-vegan option, try substituting the tofu cream cheese frosting with a traditional cream cheese frosting recipe. Enjoy!