Carrot Cake Trinidad

Carrot Cake Trinidad Recipe - Delicious Dessert with Pineapple and Spices

Region / culture: Trinidad and Tobago | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45-50 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Carrot Cake Trinidad is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of carrots with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a flavorful and satisfying dessert.

History

Carrot cake has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of carrots to cake batter dates back to medieval times when sugar was scarce and carrots were used as a sweetener. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients such as spices, nuts, and cream cheese frosting, creating the modern carrot cake we know and love today.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
1.25 cups sugar
0.75 cup vegetable oil (do not use corn oil)
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.75 cups shredded carrots
1 cup chopped nuts
Optional: 1 (8 oz (227 g)) can crushed pineapple, undrained and/or 1 cup NESTLE TOLL HOUSE semi-sweet chocolate Mini Morsels.

How to prepare

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a small bowl.
In a large mixer bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in carrots, pineapple with juice, 1 cup of nuts, and mini morsels.
Pour the mixture into a cake pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Variations

Add raisins or coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the nuts with dried fruit for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to shred the carrots finely to ensure they blend well into the cake batter.

- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. You can also toast the nuts before adding them to the batter for an extra depth of flavor.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carrot Cake Trinidad with a dollop of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mix the batter until just combined to prevent the cake from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil or melted butter in place of corn oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Cake Trinidad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cake with carrot curls or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Carrot Cake Trinidad with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Carrot Cake Trinidad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

45g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Carrot Cake Trinidad is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Alergens

Contains nuts and eggs

Summary

Carrot Cake Trinidad is a delicious dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Carrot Cake Trinidad is a classic dessert that is sure to please any crowd. With its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet carrots, this cake is a delicious treat for any occasion. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful and satisfying dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was visiting Trinidad, the land of my ancestors, and I was lucky enough to be invited to a local family’s home for dinner. As soon as I walked into their kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of spices and sweetness.

I watched as the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Ramkissoon, skillfully prepared a Carrot Cake Trinidad. She moved with grace and precision, her hands expertly measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together in a large bowl. I was mesmerized by the way she worked, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this cake myself.

As Mrs. Ramkissoon finished baking the cake, she generously shared the recipe with me. She explained that Carrot Cake Trinidad was a traditional dessert in Trinidad, made with a unique blend of spices and flavors that reflected the cultural diversity of the island. I listened intently as she told me about the history of the recipe, passed down through generations of Trinidadian families.

I returned home with the recipe in hand, eager to recreate the flavors of Trinidad in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients – carrots, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more – and set to work following Mrs. Ramkissoon’s instructions. As I grated the carrots and mixed the batter, I was transported back to that warm kitchen in Trinidad, filled with love and laughter.

The cake emerged from the oven golden brown and fragrant, just like Mrs. Ramkissoon’s. I couldn’t wait to taste it, to see if I had captured the essence of Trinidad in my own Carrot Cake Trinidad. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, the sweetness of the carrots and raisins. It was perfect.

Over the years, I have made Carrot Cake Trinidad many times, each time with a sense of reverence for the tradition and history behind the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, bringing a taste of Trinidad to our table. And each time I bake it, I think of Mrs. Ramkissoon and the kindness she showed me in sharing her recipe.

Carrot Cake Trinidad has become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of my roots and the culinary heritage of Trinidad. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, from one cook to another, binding us together in a shared love of food and family. And every time I bake it, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in joy and celebration.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on my journey with Carrot Cake Trinidad, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that this recipe has brought into my life. It may just be a cake, but to me, it is so much more – a connection to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a delicious reminder of the power of food to nourish both body and soul.