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Pastel de Zanahoria Navideño

An exquisite carrot cake that combines a delightful mix of spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and finely grated Sweet and aromatic, adding moisture to the cake.
  • ¼ cup olive oil Healthy fat for moist texture.
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour Gives structure and pleasant flavor.
  • 3 medium eggs Crucial for binding and moisture.
  • ¼ pound brown sugar Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Complements the carrots beautifully.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves Adds warm flavor.
  • 1½ teaspoons ground ginger Provides a zesty bite.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1¼ teaspoons baking powder Ensures cake rises nicely.
  • 1 cup Craisins (dried cranberries) Adds bursts of flavor and texture.
For the frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, reduced fat Perfect for creamy frosting.
  • ½ teaspoon lime zest Adds refreshing touch.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar Creates caramel-like richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (any color) Enhances overall flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 300º F (150º C). Grease your baking pans with olive oil and dust them lightly with flour. Tap the pans to remove any excess flour.
  2. Peel and finely grate the carrots using the medium side of a grater. Place the grated carrots into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add in the remaining cake ingredients: olive oil, whole wheat flour, eggs, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, salt, baking powder, and Craisins. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until everything is well combined.
Baking
  1. Pour half of the batter into each prepared baking pan, smoothing the tops with the spatula.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool to room temperature.
Frosting
  1. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, lime zest, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Using a paddle attachment on a mixer, beat the frosting at medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is creamy.
Assembly
  1. Place the frosting in a piping bag or use a spatula to spread it over one of the cooled cakes.
  2. Carefully place the second cake on top and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results. Adjust spices according to your taste preference. Consider topping with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.