Carrot Cake Traybake Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Treat

This recipe delivers a moist and delicious carrot cake, perfect for sharing (or not!). This traybake version makes it easy to serve and enjoy, ideal for parties, picnics, or a simple afternoon treat. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips for the perfect, moist carrot cake every time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delicious cake with minimal fuss.

• For the Cake:

  • 200g (1 ½ cups) plain flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
  • 150ml (⅔ cup) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200g (1 ½ cups) grated carrots
  • 100g (½ cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 100g (½ cup) raisins or sultanas (optional)

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 200g (1 cup) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 300g (1 ½ cups) icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This simple guide will walk you through each stage of creating your perfect carrot cake traybake.

1. Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4) and grease and line a 20x30cm (8x12 inch) baking tray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).

2. Baking the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool completely in the tray before frosting.

3. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Frosting and Serving:

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Traybake:

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Grate your carrots finely: This ensures they're evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cake a more vibrant flavor.
• Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the frosting from melting.
• Get creative with toppings: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

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This comprehensive guide, filled with relevant keywords and a clear step-by-step approach, aims to rank highly in search engine results while providing readers with a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family!