You guys, this Orange, Carrot & Almond Cake is a game-changer! 🍊🥕 It’s super moist, naturally sweet, and has this awesome citrusy vibe that feels like a sunny day in every bite. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up—you don’t even need a mixer! If you’re looking for a cake that’s light, a little fancy, but still totally approachable, this one’s calling your name. Let’s get baking, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ No Mixer Needed: That’s right—just a bowl, a food processor, and some love. 😊
→ Super Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just simple ingredients and a food processor. Even beginners can nail this one!
→ Naturally Sweet & Delicious: The combo of carrots, orange, and almond meal gives it a naturally sweet, zesty flavor that’s hard to resist.
→ Moist and Tender: Thanks to the carrots and almond milk, this cake stays soft and moist, bite after bite.
→ Light & Wholesome: It’s indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth but light enough to enjoy guilt-free.
→ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s tea time, a casual dessert, or something to wow your guests, this cake fits the bill!
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What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients That Make This Cake Shine
- Carrots 🥕: These are the secret to the cake’s super moist texture! Plus, they add a natural sweetness that makes every bite feel like a treat (and hey, a little veggie boost doesn’t hurt, right?).
- Orange Juice & Zest 🍊: Talk about a flavor punch! The juice keeps the cake fresh and tender, while the zest adds that irresistible citrusy aroma. It’s like a burst of sunshine in every slice.
- Almond Meal: This gives the cake a slightly nutty flavor and a soft, delicate crumb. It also adds a hint of richness without being too heavy.
- Coconut Sugar: A natural alternative to regular sugar that brings a caramel-like sweetness to the mix. Bonus—it’s unrefined!
- Olive Oil: Forget butter; olive oil keeps the cake wonderfully moist and adds a subtle earthy undertone.
Each of these ingredients brings its own little magic to the recipe, and together, they create a cake that’s wholesome, flavorful, and downright irresistible!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 40 mins
1| Alright, let’s get baking! Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a round cake pan with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup way easier.
2| In a big bowl, mix together the flour, almond meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3| Now, grab your food processor and throw in the carrots, orange juice, orange zest, almond milk, and olive oil. Blend until it’s all smooth and creamy—like a velvety carrot-orange dream.
4| Next, combine that smooth wet mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Pour this beautiful batter into your prepared cake pan, and get ready to pop it in the oven.
5| Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (we all love that moment of victory!). Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool on a wire rack.
6| Before serving, dust it with a little powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch. Slice, serve, and enjoy! 🍰
Glycemic Index: 63 (moderate) Glycemic Load: 16 (moderate)
Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
1| Swap Almond Meal: If you’re out of almond meal, you can use ground oats or more all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.
2| Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
3| Use Maple Syrup Instead of Coconut Sugar: Want a different sweetener? Maple syrup adds a warm, earthy sweetness. Just reduce the orange juice slightly to balance the liquid.
4| Switch Olive Oil for Coconut Oil: If you prefer a more tropical flavor, coconut oil works like a charm and pairs well with the orange and carrot.
5| Add Warm Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would give this cake a cozy, spiced vibe—perfect for fall or winter baking!
6| Go Nut-Free: Swap the almond meal with an equal amount of all-purpose flour to make the cake nut-free without losing its tender texture.
7| Amp Up the Citrus: Add a splash of lemon juice or some extra zest for an even brighter citrus flavor.
8| Make It Vegan: Use a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon seeds + 3 tablespoons water) and ensure the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.
These tweaks make it easy to customize the recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you’ve got in the pantry! 😊
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Helpful Tips for Success
1| Grate Your Carrots Finely: If you don’t have a food processor, grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture in the cake.
2| Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor. Store-bought juice works too, but fresh makes it pop! 🍊
3| Don’t Skip the Zest: The zest is where the intense orange aroma lives, so don’t skimp on it—just avoid grating the bitter white pith.
4| Let It Cool Completely: Patience pays off! Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. It’ll slice better and taste even better.
5| Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If it’s sticky, bake it a bit longer.
6| Store It Right: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
7| Make It Extra Pretty: Sprinkle a few slivered almonds or candied orange peel on top for a fancy finish before serving.
8| Double the Recipe for a Crowd: This cake is perfect for sharing—just double the ingredients and use a larger pan if you’re hosting a gathering.
These tips will help you nail this recipe every single time! 😊
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Serving Ideas
1| Simple & Classic: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve it as is for a light, fuss-free treat.
2| With a Dollop of Cream: Pair it with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a dollop of coconut cream for an extra creamy touch.
3| Drizzle with Citrus Glaze: Make a quick glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice for a zesty upgrade.
4| Add Fresh Fruit: Serve slices with fresh berries, orange segments, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
5| Warm with Ice Cream: Heat a slice in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream—pure dessert bliss!
6| Afternoon Tea Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a cozy snack.
7| Holiday-Style: Garnish with sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs to make it festive for special occasions.
8| Breakfast Treat: Yes, cake for breakfast! Pair it with your morning coffee or a latte for a sweet start to the day.
These serving ideas make this cake versatile enough for any time of day or occasion! 🍰
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Storage Options
1| Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s completely cool before storing to avoid condensation.
2| Refrigerator: If you want it to last longer, place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
3| Freezer: Want to save some for later? Slice the cake into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
4| Keep It Moist: If you’re storing the cake for a while, consider adding a piece of parchment paper on top before sealing the container to help retain moisture.
These storage tips make it easy to enjoy your cake anytime—whether it’s fresh out of the oven or a week later! 😊
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Final Thoughts
And there you have it—your kitchen now smells like pure happiness, doesn’t it? This Orange, Carrot & Almond Cake is one of those treats that feels a little bit indulgent but still kind of wholesome. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!). Give it a dusting of powdered sugar, slice it up, and dig in. Oh, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out—I love hearing your baking stories! 😊
Recipe Card
Orange, Carrot and Almond Cake
This Orange, Carrot & Almond Cake is a zesty, moist delight 🍊🥕—sweetened naturally with coconut sugar and packed with wholesome goodness. Perfect for any occasion, and you won’t even need a mixer!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C) and line a standard round cake pan with parchment paper. -
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. -
Step 3:
Next, place the peeled and chopped carrots, orange juice, orange zest, almond milk, and olive oil into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. -
Step 4:
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined and smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. -
Step 5:
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. -
Step 6:
Once cooled, lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
