Ingredients
1 cup (142g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (40g) finely ground salted and roasted pistachios, plus extra for topping
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup (120g) finely grated carrots (from 1 ½ to 2 medium carrots)
¼ cup (55g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (60ml) sunflower oil
½ cup (120ml) plain full-fat yogurt or sour cream thinned with 1 teaspoon milk
1 large egg at room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped pistachios for decorating
½ cup (125g) cream cheese, very soft
⅔ cup (160ml) 35% heavy whipping cream
3–4 tablespoons (40-50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1-Preheat the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2-Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground pistachios, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until everything is evenly mixed.
3-Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the grated carrots, brown sugar, oil, thinned yogurt or sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract to blend the flavors well.
4-Combine: Next, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined, forming a thick batter that looks glossy and smooth.
5-Bake: Spread this batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking with a skewer to see if it comes out clean.
6-Cool the cake: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before moving it to a rack.
7-Prepare frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and keep beating to eliminate any lumps.
8-Add more cream and sugar: Gradually mix in the rest of the cream, then add sugar one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable texture.
9-Finish frosting: Finally, stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, spread the frosting over the cooled cake, and top with chopped pistachios.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥕 Grate carrots finely to achieve a soft crumb and avoid stringy texture.
⏳ Mix carrots with sugar first to break down fibers and improve cake texture.
🌰 Roast pistachios lightly to enhance their flavor before grinding or topping the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal (approximate per serving)
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
