Carrot cake recipes UK – BBC Good Food carrot cake – Easy

BBC Good Food carrot cake

BBC Good Food carrot cake is a moist, spiced carrot cake layered with tangy cream cheese icing and crowned with crunchy walnuts or pecans. Each slice is perfectly balanced—sweet, nutty, and gently aromatic—making it an irresistible treat with a cup of tea.

By BBC Good Food Team
From Carrot Cake Recipes: The Best from UK and Around the World

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Carrot cake scores a Nutri-Score C, offering a moderate balance between wholesome carrots and nuts and the richness of oil, sugar, and cream cheese icing. Enjoy as an occasional treat.

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Ingredients

For the sponge

• 350g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 225g light muscovado sugar
• 75g chopped walnuts
• 150g grated carrots
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 225ml sunflower oil

For the topping

• 250g full-fat soft cheese
• 75g softened butter
• 150g sifted icing sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Walnut halves, for decoration

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base and sides of two 20cm cake tins with baking parchment.
2. Whisk the oil, yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest in a jug.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a good pinch of salt. Squeeze any lumps of sugar through your fingers, shaking the bowl to bring lumps to the surface.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, along with the carrots, raisins, and half the nuts. Mix well to combine, then divide between the tins.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If any wet mixture clings, return to the oven for 5 minutes, then check again. Leave to cool in the tins.
6. For the icing, beat the butter and icing sugar until smooth. Add half the soft cheese and beat again, then add the rest gradually to prevent splitting.
7. Remove the cakes from the tins and sandwich together with half the icing. Top with the remaining icing and scatter with the remaining walnuts.

Need more? You must see Queen of baking and cookery icon Mary Berry’s carrot cake recipe no search for carrot cake recipes would be complete without it.

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What can you serve with this BBC Good Food carrot cake

1. Fresh berries – their tartness balances the cake’s sweetness.
2. Crème fraîche – adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
3. Spiced chai tea – complements the cake’s warm spices for a comforting treat.
4. Vanilla ice cream – for an extra-decadent dessert experience.

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Nutri-score Health Check

This Nutri-Score C rating reflects the balance of nutritious carrots and nuts with the sugar and fat from the oil and icing. The score is automatically calculated from the ingredients and serves as a guide.

Positive Factors

• Carrots add fibre, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
• Walnuts or pecans provide healthy fats and protein.
• Eggs and yogurt contribute protein and moisture.

Negative Factors

• Oil, sugar, and icing add saturated fat and calories.
• Raisins increase the natural sugar content.

Will keep in the fridge for up to five days. Best eaten at room temperature.