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I just had to include this recipe. Actually, it is 3 recipes. I acquired a basic recipe from my wonderful Auntie Geri and over the years I have worked to improve upon it. I think I have perfected it perfectly now because I have nearly worn my fingers to the bones writing it down for just about everyone. So here it is, at last!
By the way, this cake gets better as it ages and it is not necessary to remove it from its baking dish and that makes it very easy to transport. Whenever there is feast planned or a picnic to attend I make this cake the day before because it keeps very well if chilled.
The Ultimate Carrot Cake
| Prep Time: 15 minutes assembly if you don't have to grate the carrots and shell the nuts & 35 minutes baking time |
Servings: 4 Hobbit 8 Dwarves 12 Big People 16 Elves |
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup of vegetable oil (or butter, melted & cooled)
- 4 Large eggs or 5 small eggs
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp real vanilla extract
- 3 Cups flour
- 2 Cups sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- A smiggin of freshly ground Nutmeg (that is about a pinch and a half)
- 1 Tbsp of baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and finely grated
- 1 large can pineapple in its own juice, either crushed (preferred) or tidbit pieces, drained. Reserve the liquid.
- 1 Cup Walnuts or Pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 Cup Coconut, shredded and non-sweetened
You will need: A very large rectangular baking dish (I use the same ceramic baking dish that I use for Lasagna. It's the perfect size!), a large wooden spoon, a small whisk, one very large mixing bowl, one small mixing bowl.
**HINT** If you have to grate the carrots and shell the nuts I would advise that you find a man to 'help' in the kitchen. You can try to entice the aid of children but they are usually quick to catch on that it is work and have a tendency to disappear shortly after being given the first carrot. Also, children will eat all the nuts you give them to shell then you will end up without any nuts and with sick children. So I strongly urge you to draft a man to 'help'.
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°f.
Grease and dust the baking dish with butter and flour; set aside.
Combine in a small bowl: oil, eggs and vanilla: lightly whisk.
Combine in a large mixing bowl: flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix.
Add the contents of the small bowl to the large bowl and blend together with a wooden spoon to make a stiff batter.
Add to the batter, one at a time, folding in until well dispersed throughout the mixture: pineapple, ½ of the reserved pineapple juice, nuts, coconut and carrots.
Transfer the batter into the baking dish and smooth it out.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or until the center springs back when pressed with you index finger. Approximately 35 minutes or longer depending on your oven.