No-bake carrot cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with a simple mixture of graham crackers, cream cheese, and carrots, and it is topped with a creamy frosting.
Here is a recipe for no-bake carrot cake:
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 (14 ounce) box graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- For the filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the frosting:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press crust mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Beat in carrots, walnuts, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour filling over crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Spread frosting over cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For a more intense carrot flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of carrot extract to the filling.
- You can also use store-bought graham cracker crumbs if you don’t have time to make your own.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use a 9-inch round cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How can I bake a cake without an oven?
There are a few ways to bake a cake without an oven. Here are a few methods:
- Microwave: You can bake a cake in the microwave by using a mug cake recipe. These recipes are typically very simple and only require a few ingredients. To bake a mug cake in the microwave, simply combine all of the ingredients in a microwave-safe mug and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through. wwww.tablefortwoblog.com Mug cake recipe
- Stovetop: You can also bake a cake on the stovetop by using a Dutch oven. To do this, simply grease the bottom of the Dutch oven and then add the cake batter. Cover the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through. www.lecreuset.com Dutch oven
- Slow cooker: You can also bake a cake in a slow cooker by using a slow cooker cake recipe. These recipes are typically made with a boxed cake mix and some additional ingredients. To bake a cake in a slow cooker, simply grease the bottom of the slow cooker and then add the cake batter. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cake is cooked through. www.bbcgoodfood.com Slow cooker
No matter which method you choose, be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly.
Here are some additional tips for baking a cake without an oven:
- Use a cake mix that is designed for microwave or stovetop baking. These mixes will typically have the instructions on the package.
- Grease the baking dish or pan well to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cook the cake on low heat to prevent it from burning.
- Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
With a little planning and care, you can easily bake a delicious cake without an oven.
There are a few reasons why your carrot cake might be dry. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Not enough wet ingredients: Carrot cake is a moist cake, so it’s important to have enough wet ingredients in the batter. If you don’t add enough oil or eggs, the cake will be dry.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter can also make the cake dry. When you mix the batter, be sure to mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, which will make the cake tough and dry.
- Baking the cake too long: Baking the cake too long will also make it dry. Be sure to check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Not using enough carrots: Carrots add moisture to the cake, so if you don’t use enough carrots, the cake will be dry. Be sure to use at least 3 cups of grated carrots in your cake batter.
If your carrot cake is dry, there are a few things you can do to fix it. You can add some milk or applesauce to the batter to moisten it up. You can also try adding a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the batter. If the cake is already baked, you can try glazing it with a simple syrup to add some moisture.
Here are some tips to prevent your carrot cake from being dry:
- Use enough wet ingredients.
- Mix the batter just until combined.
- Bake the cake until it is just done.
- Use at least 3 cups of grated carrots in the batter.
- Glaze the cake with a simple syrup after it is baked.
With a little care, you can easily make a moist and delicious carrot cake.
Is carrot cake the healthiest cake?
Carrot cake is not necessarily the healthiest cake, but it does have some health benefits. Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. Carrots also contain fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. However, carrot cake is typically made with a lot of sugar, oil, and butter, which can offset the health benefits of the carrots.
Here is a comparison of the nutritional value of carrot cake and other popular cakes:
Cake | Calories | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) | Fiber (grams) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carrot cake | 300 | 15 | 25 | 2 |
Chocolate cake | 300 | 18 | 25 | 1 |
Vanilla cake | 250 | 12 | 20 | 1 |
As you can see, carrot cake is not significantly healthier than other types of cake. However, if you choose to make a carrot cake, there are a few things you can do to make it healthier:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
- Use less sugar.
- Use less oil or butter.
- Add more carrots.
- Top with a healthier frosting, such as a cream cheese frosting made with low-fat cream cheese.
By making these changes, you can make a carrot cake that is still delicious but also a bit healthier.
How long does unfrosted carrot cake last?
Unfrosted carrot cake can last for up to 5 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. However, it is best to store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Here are some tips for storing unfrosted carrot cake:
- Double-wrap the cake: To prevent the cake from drying out, double-wrap it in plastic wrap. You can also wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Store the cake in a cool, dark place: Store the cake in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry or a cupboard.
- Check the cake for freshness: Before serving, check the cake for freshness. If the cake is dry or has any mold, it should be discarded.
If you want to store the cake for longer than a week, you can freeze it. To freeze unfrosted carrot cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to serve the cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, frost the cake and serve.
Here are some tips for freezing unfrosted carrot cake:
- Freeze the cake in a single layer: To prevent the cake from sticking together, freeze it in a single layer.
- Label the freezer bag: Label the freezer bag with the date and contents so you know how long it has been frozen.
- Thaw the cake overnight: The cake should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.
- Frost the cake and serve: Once the cake is thawed, frost it and serve.