Unleash your inner baker with Nigella Lawson’s tantalizing Ginger and Walnut Carrot Cake, a delightful treat perfect for bank holidays or any special occasion. This unique twist on the classic carrot cake offers a symphony of flavors, boasting subtle ginger notes and a rustic charm reminiscent of traditional English teatime treats.
Crafting this delectable dessert is a breeze, requiring just 45 minutes of your time. Grab a 20cm springform cake tin and gather a few simple ingredients, including flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, salt, light brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, carrots, walnuts, and crystallised ginger.
Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C/150°C fan/325°F. Grease and line the base of your springform cake tin with baking parchment. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground ginger, and salt.
In another large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and oil until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture while continuing to beat. Once incorporated, stir in the grated carrots, crumbled walnuts, and chopped crystallised ginger.
Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin, smooth the top, and pop it into the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; it’s ready when a cake tester inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
While the cake bakes, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. Beat together unsalted butter and icing sugar until combined. Gradually add cornflour, followed by half of the cream cheese. Beat until well combined, then add the remaining cream cheese and beat again.
To infuse an intense ginger flavor into the frosting, grate some fresh ginger onto a plate lined with kitchen roll. Quickly gather the edges of the paper, forming a small pouch, and squeeze the grated ginger over a bowl to extract the juice. Stir this ginger juice into the frosting. Cover the frosting with cling film and refrigerate.
Once the cake is done, transfer it to a wire rack to cool in the tin. After about 20 minutes, unclip the tin and place the cake on a plate. Take the frosting out of the fridge and beat it slightly. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts and ginger.
Your masterpiece is now complete! Serve this delectable Ginger and Walnut Carrot Cake to your loved ones and watch them savor every bite. Its unique blend of flavors and textures will leave a lasting impression on their taste buds, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
