Delicious Coffee Carrot Cake Recipe for Coffee Lovers
Greetings coffee and cake lovers! Today, I have a recipe that will make you jump for joy! A delightful combination of sweet and savoury, this Coffee Carrot Cake recipe is a match made in heaven.
Coffee and carrot cake may seem like an unlikely combination at first, but trust me when I say that it works wonders. The bitterness in the instant coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the granulated sugar, while the nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon bring out the warm flavours in the shredded carrots.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack or even a delicious dessert. The texture of the cake is moist and fluffy with a tender crumb and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Just imagine biting into a slice of this Carrot Coffee Cake in the morning alongside your favourite cup of Joe. The rich and intense coffee flavour will give you the energy boost you need while satisfying your sweet tooth.
So without further ado, let’s dive into this heavenly recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a coffee and cake lover? Have you ever wondered how carrot cake would taste if it had a subtle hint of coffee? If your answer is yes, then this Coffee Carrot Cake recipe is the perfect match for your taste.
What makes this recipe unique is the addition of instant coffee, which complements the spicy flavors of nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon beautifully. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also uses healthier ingredients like canola oil and shredded carrots, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the addition of pecans in the streusel topping adds a crunchy texture to every bite.
This Coffee Carrot Cake recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon dessert. It’s also perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or gatherings.
Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to traditional carrot cake again. So why not give it a try and indulge in the heavenly flavors of coffee and cake?
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients for this Coffee Carrot Cake Recipe. This recipe takes a classic carrot cake and adds a delicious twist with the addition of coffee flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent cake:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons instant coffee
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Note that some of these ingredients have measurements in both cups and teaspoons, so be sure to measure accordingly. Once you have everything laid out and ready to go, we can move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Now to the fun part, let’s make a Coffee Carrot Cake. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is moist and delicious. Let’s dive in.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 4 teaspoons instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Procedure:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a cake pan and dust with flour.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the oil and granulated sugar. Mix well.
- Add shredded carrots, instant coffee, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until well combined.
- Add the flour gradually and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out into an even layer.
- Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Enjoy this delightful treat for breakfast or dessert with your favorite cup of coffee! If you have leftover cake or want to make it ahead of time, you can store it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Experiment with different frosting options like brown butter glaze or streusel topping, so every slice of cake feels like a new experience.
Now that you know how to make this delicious cake recipe get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to switch things up a bit, there are several ways to modify the Coffee Carrot Cake recipe.
First, let’s talk about the nuts. While this recipe calls for pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nut.
Next, if you don’t have canola oil on hand, feel free to substitute it with vegetable oil or even coconut oil. Just be aware that the taste might differ slightly.
For those who don’t have instant coffee, brewed coffee makes a great alternative. Simply brew a cup of your preferred roast and allow it to cool before adding it to the batter.
If you’re looking to make this cake gluten-free, almond flour is an excellent substitution for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting on your carrot cake, swap out the streusel topping and glaze with cream cheese frosting. Beat 1 stick of unsalted butter and 4 oz of cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Spread over the cooled cake and enjoy!
In conclusion, these substitutions are just a few ways to make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create a spin-off of your own perfect coffee carrot cake.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have successfully baked your Coffee Carrot Cake, it’s time to enjoy it! A slice of this cake is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. Since we used instant coffee in the recipe, it would be great to pair this cake with a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
For a stronger coffee flavor, you can also use brewed coffee instead of water when making the cake batter. This will give you a richer taste and aroma of coffee.
Aside from coffee, you can also try pairing this cake with different types of tea. A ginger or chai tea would complement the spices used in the cake, while a fruity tea like blueberry or raspberry can balance out the sweetness of the cake.
If you’re serving the Coffee Carrot Cake for dessert, why not add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? The cold creaminess will contrast nicely with the warm and fluffy texture of the cake.
This cake is also perfect for brunch or breakfast because it’s not too sweet. You can serve it with fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas or even spread some nut butter on top for added protein and healthy fats.
Whatever way you decide to serve and pair this Carrot Coffee Cake, one thing is certain – it’s going to be hard to resist that second slice!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Carrot Coffee Cake recipe can be made ahead of time, which is a big bonus when you have a busy schedule. You can prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the cream cheese glaze and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This way, you can save time and reduce stress on the day that you plan to serve it.
When it comes to reheating, you have two options. The first option is to reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the cake as it can become dry quickly.
The second method is to reheat the entire cake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This method will help revive its moist texture and also add a nice crispness to the streusel topping.
If you’re looking to store leftovers or make this cake ahead of time, tightly wrap it with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to five days. Another option is to freeze slices individually for future consumption. The cake can stay frozen for up to two months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Overall, this carrot coffee cake recipe offers convenience and flexibility without sacrificing its delicious taste and moist crumb texture. It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a decadent dessert or breakfast treat throughout the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to carrot coffee cake, nailing the perfect texture and flavor can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry! Here are some tips that can help you create the best coffee carrot cake recipe:
First, make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Baking is all about exact measurements, so if you add too much or too little of an ingredient, your cake may not turn out as planned. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy.
Another tip is to shred your carrots finely. The smaller the shred, the easier it will be for the carrots to blend in with the rest of the ingredients and distribute evenly throughout the cake batter.
When combining the dry ingredients with wet ingredients, try not to overmix them. Overmixing can cause gluten formation, leading to a tough and dense cake. Mix until just combined.
In addition, be careful when using instant coffee. Too much instant coffee can lead to a bitter and overpowering taste. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe.
If you are watching your gluten intake, try substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Both options work well in this cake recipe.
To enhance the taste and add some crunchiness, don’t skip on adding pecans to your cake mix or streusel topping. These nuts complement carrots perfectly and add texture to each bite.
Lastly, take care when baking your cake. Make sure that it is cooked thoroughly but not overcooked or burnt by following baking temperature recommendations and using a toothpick inserted into its center to test its readiness.
Following these simple tips will guarantee that you make an irresistible coffee carrot cake every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients and how to make this delightful Coffee Carrot Cake, let’s answer some Frequently Asked Questions. This will help you avoid any pitfalls that other people may have faced while attempting to make this recipe.
What does adding coffee to cake mix do?
When brewed coffee is mixed into cake batter, it brings about a delightful change in its texture, making it more damp and compact. It’s as if you are having a sumptuous pudding dessert. The fusion of chocolate and coffee never fails to trigger the taste buds. But when chocolate is incorporated into cake with a tinge of coffee flavor, it’s a match made in heaven – luxurious and self-indulgent, similar to indulging in a mocha latte.
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
One can easily differentiate a coffee cake from other cakes by its crumbly streusel topping and lack of frosting. The addition of swirls of streusel, fruits, nuts, or chocolate inside the cake make it even more enticing. Although it may be topped with a little glaze, a coffee cake’s true essence resides in its irresistible texture and flavorful filling.
What makes a coffee cake a coffee cake?
Coffee cake is a type of cake that has a streusel topping and is usually served with coffee, despite not having any coffee in it. This cake is usually tender and only has one layer.
Can you put coffee in a box cake?
Here’s a fun tip to enhance the flavor of your cake mix – swap out hot water with some strong brewed coffee. The combination of coffee and chocolate brings out the best in both, resulting in a divine taste that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Coffee Carrot Cake recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. With its moist and delicious crumb, subtle coffee undertones, and sweet cream cheese glaze, it’s hard not to love this cake. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking with substitutions and variations.
So, whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a new dessert recipe to try out, give this Coffee Carrot Cake a shot. Trust me; you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to share your experience baking and serving this amazing cake with others.
Coffee Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 4 cups carrots, finely grated (measure after grating)
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (measure after chopping)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F Lightly butter and flour a 13x9" baking pan.
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl, set aside.
- Beat the eggs and instant coffee in a large bowl with an electric mixer set on medium speed until well blended.
- Add the flour mixture, carrots, and oil and beat for 2 minutes on low speed until well blended.
- Stir in the nuts.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 1 hour until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Looen the cake from the sides of the pan with a spatula or knife.
- Gently invert the cake onto the rack.
- Cool completely.
- Frost with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting (or frosting of your choice).