British BBC Carrot Cake Recipe

This BBC carrot cake recipe brings together sweet, spiced flavors with moist grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and juicy raisins.

The main purpose of creating this BBC carrot cake recipe is to provide a reliable, delicious cake that can be enjoyed by home bakers and families looking for a comforting dessert.

The recipe is designed for anyone who enjoys baking or wants to make a classic British cake with minimal fuss. Carrot cake has a long history, originating from medieval Europe when carrots were used to sweeten desserts.

This BBC carrot cake recipe presents clear steps, serving suggestions, tips, health benefits, storage advice, and common questions to guide bakers.

About This BBC Carrot Cake Recipe

This BBC carrot cake recipe delivers a rich, moist, and lightly spiced flavor that balances sweetness with subtle warmth from mixed spices. Grated carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture, while raisins add chewy bursts of fruity flavor.

Walnut pieces contribute a satisfying crunch, and a hint of orange zest brightens the taste. The light brown sugar enhances the overall sweetness without being overpowering.

The cake is complemented by a smooth, tangy cream cheese icing made with butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract, which adds a creamy richness that perfectly balances the cake’s spiced, nutty, and sweet flavors.

How To Prepare BBC Carrot Cake Recipe?

To make this BBC carrot cake recipe successfully, follow each step carefully. Clear instructions and helpful tips guide you through the process, highlighting ingredients like grated carrots, walnuts, and spices.

Essential tools are suggested for ease, but you can adapt with what you have and still achieve a moist, flavorful cake.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9-inch (23cm) round cake tin or square tin
• Grater
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the carrot cake:

• 1 2/3 cups (200g) self-raising flour
• 4 large free-range eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 7/8 cup (200ml) vegetable or sunflower oil, plus a little extra for greasing
• 2 1/4 cups (250g) coarsely grated carrots
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 3/4 cup (100g) raisins
• 3/4 cup (100g) walnut pieces, plus extra for decoration
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 tsp fine salt

For the cream cheese icing:

• 1/4 cup (50g) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) full-fat cream cheese, chilled
• 1/2 cup (50g) icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Grease your cake tin and line it with baking paper so the cake doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients by sifting the self-rising flour, mixed spice, bicarbonate of soda, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the grated carrots, raisins, walnuts, and orange zest until everything is evenly combined.

3. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re slightly thickened. Gradually pour in the oil while whisking, until the mixture is smooth.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold them together gently until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.

5. Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the cake. Let it sit in the tin for about 10 minutes after baking, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding icing.

7. Make the icing. Beat the butter until smooth, and then add chilled cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the icing is creamy and well combined.

8. Decorate the cake. Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake and sprinkle extra walnut pieces on top if you like.

Nutritional Amounts BBC Carrot Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	41g
Sugars	28g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this BBC carrot cake recipe because it is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. The blend of grated carrots, raisins, and walnuts creates a natural sweetness with a satisfying texture. The gentle warmth of mixed spices enhances the flavor without being too strong.

Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese icing, the cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. It is versatile enough to serve at family gatherings, celebrations, or simply for a comforting treat at home.

The recipe uses simple ingredients and clear steps, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers.

How It Works

This BBC carrot cake recipe works by combining wet and dry ingredients carefully to create a light and moist texture. Eggs and oil provide richness, while grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture.

The self-raising flour and bicarbonate of soda help the cake rise, creating a soft crumb. Spices, orange zest, raisins, and walnuts add layers of flavor and texture.

Baking in a preheated oven sets the structure, and once cooled, the cream cheese icing is spread on top, adding a smooth, tangy contrast.

Following the sequence of mixing, folding, and baking ensures a balanced, flavorful cake every time.

Decorate And Serving Ideas

Decorating this BBC carrot cake recipe can be simple yet elegant. Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top and gently smooth it with a spatula.

Scatter a few walnut halves or pieces on the icing for a crunchy accent. For a festive touch, lightly dust the top with a pinch of cinnamon or finely grated orange zest.

Serving ideas include cutting the cake into wedges and serving on a plate with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be served slightly chilled for a refreshing texture or alongside fresh fruit for a lighter dessert option.

My Tips For Success

1. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing to help the cake rise evenly and stay light.

2. Grate the carrots coarsely for texture or finely for a smoother cake. Either way, ensure they are well-drained to avoid extra moisture.

3. Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the cup or weighing it. Too much flour can make the cake dense.

4. Fold the wet and dry ingredients gently rather than stirring vigorously to keep the cake soft.

5. Check the cake with a skewer toward the end of baking. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, not wet batter.

6. Cool the cake completely before spreading the cream cheese icing to prevent it from melting.

7. Store the cake in an airtight container. It stays moist for a few days and can be refrigerated for longer freshness.

Health Benefits Of BBC Carrot Cake Recipe

BBC carrot cake recipe contains several nutritious ingredients that provide more than just sweetness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health and immunity.

Walnuts offer healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants that benefit the heart and brain. Raisins add natural sugars along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Using eggs provides protein and essential nutrients, while vegetable oil contributes healthy fats in moderation.

Spices like cinnamon and mixed spice can help with digestion and add flavor without extra sugar. Although this cake is a treat, it includes ingredients that offer nutritional value alongside enjoyment.

Storage Advice

Store the BBC carrot cake recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and moist. It will stay good for up to 4–5 days.

To prevent the cream cheese icing from drying out, cover the cake lightly with cling film or a cake dome. For longer storage, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.

Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator before serving. Always keep the cake away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain its texture, flavor, and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This healthy BBC carrot cake recipe is a treat that combines wholesome ingredients with delicious flavor. I make this recipe every time I serve guests, and it is always enjoyed by everyone.

Its moist texture, subtle spices, and creamy cream cheese icing make it a favorite for both family and friends. I am sharing my easy method so that others can recreate it without hassle.

I hope you try making this BBC carrot cake recipe, enjoy the process, and experience the same satisfaction and delight that I always feel when baking and serving it.

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