Carrot Almond Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Recipe Intro From ch_ecco

Looking for a standout carrot cake recipe where the carrots are the true stars? This easy, single-layer Carrot Almond Cake showcases sweet, tender carrot slices as the main attraction. With no need for stacking layers, it's served with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s both elegant and perfect for something fancy in a pinch.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 25mins
Cook time 1hr
Serves or Makes: 8-10 servings

Recipe Card

For the Carrot Almond Cake

ingredients

  • 3 medium to large carrots, peeled and steamed, for topping
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 3-4 medium carrots) peeled and grated carrots
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5 egg whites, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Frosting

ingredients

  • 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams) softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make the Cake

Method

  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line the bottom of an 8-9 inch cake pan with parchment paper.

  • Step 2

    Slice the steamed carrots into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick) and arrange them neatly at the base of the pan. Sprinkle a little sugar over the carrot slices to help caramelize them during baking.

  • Step 3

    In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until light and fluffy.

  • Step 4

    Add the lemon zest, grated carrots, almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The mixture may look dry initially—this is normal.

  • Step 5

    Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the carrot mixture. This will give the batter a lighter, smoother texture.

  • Step 6

    Mix until well combined, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

  • Step 7

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan over the carrot slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

  • Step 8

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.

To make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Step 1

    In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.

  • Step 2

    Add the heavy cream and continue whipping until thick and creamy. If desired, add vanilla extract for extra flavor.

  • Step 3

    Place the frosting into a pastry bag fitting with a large star tip. Pipe rosettes around the cake or pipe directly onto the serving plate. Pair the cake with lemon jam or lemon curd (optional).