Parma Style Carrot Cake Recipes

CARROT-PINE NUT CAKE FROM PARMA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
• Place the pine nuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and fennel seeds in a food processor and pulse to mince the nuts. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the carrots (easily shredded with the food processor attachment). Pulse to mince the carrots. Add the mascarpone cheese and pulse until the cheese is incorporated. If you can't find mascarpone, cream cheese is a good substitute.
• In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between adding each additional egg.
• Add the carrot mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined. Add in 1/3 of the reserved dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Add the rest in thirds the same way.
• Place the mixture in a lightly greased and floured 8 by 10 by-2-inch baking dish. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Giada filled a cupcake-paper-lined muffin tin 3/4 full each, and baked for 18-20 minutes for individual portions.
• Let the bread/cake cool for 1 hour, then dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

CHEF JOHN'S CARROT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place flour in a bowl. Add salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Sprinkle in ground ginger and cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until combined. Set aside.
• Add sugar to a separate bowl. Whisk in eggs until mixture is smooth and pale yellow, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Heat butter and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat until just melted but not too hot. Whisk into the bowl with the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add carrots, crushed pineapple, pecans, and walnuts. Stir well.
• Stir flour mixture into the carrot mixture until no dry spots remain. Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Tap the pan against your counter to let any big air bubbles rise to the surface.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting, at least 40 minutes.
• Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar to form a smooth frosting. Spread evenly over the cooled cake. Chill completely before slicing.