Rabat – Today, February 3, marks National Carrot Cake Day in the USA. This beloved cake is said to date back to the Middle Ages, when sugar was scarce and carrots were used as a natural sweetener. 

Carrot cake may not be a traditional Moroccan dessert, but a sweet way to try a new global recipe. In fact, many Moroccan food influencers and Youtubers have shared their own takes on this cake, making it increasingly popular in kitchens across the country. 

Whether its for a regular kaskrout or a new ftour recipe with Ramadan coming, there is no better time to put on your apron and give this simple recipe a try. 

Ingredients

Cake

  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 200 g sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 150 ml oil
  • 200 g grated carrots
  • 50 g walnuts, chopped
  • 250 g flour
  • 16 g baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons pastry cream mix 
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 400 ml milk
  • Whipped cream 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180 °C. Grease and flour a cake pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the oil, then fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon together. Gradually fold them into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing from bottom to top.
  • Add the vinegar and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake. Start by turning on only the bottom heat of the oven; once the cake begins to cook from the bottom, turn on the top heat to finish baking evenly.

Quick trick: To check if the cake is ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

  • Let it cool down. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: Combine the pastry cream mix, sugar, and milk. Once thickened, fold in the whipped cream gently.
  • Once the cake has completely cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Spread part of the frosting on the bottom layer, then place the top layer over it. Spread the remaining frosting evenly on top and decorate as desired.
  • Time to taste. Bse7a w ra7a!