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How to Make Sheet Pan Cakes | Bake It Up a Notch with Erin McDowell

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Carrot cake has roots in medieval Europe, where carrots were used as a sweetener before sugar became widely available. It gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 70s as a healthier dessert option. Today, it is often served at celebrations and gatherings, celebrated for its moist texture and rich flavor, often topped with cream cheese frosting. Variations abound, with some incorporating coconut or raisins, showcasing its adaptability and enduring appeal.

Ingredients

  • carrots
  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • brown sugar
  • eggs
  • vegetable oil
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • ground cinnamon
  • vanilla extract
  • salt
  • cream cheese
  • butter
  • powdered sugar
  • walnuts
  • pineapple

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease and flour two round cake pans.
  3. 3In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. 4In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
  5. 5Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. 6Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts.
  7. 7Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  8. 8Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. 9Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. 10In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  11. 11Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
  12. 12Spread cream cheese frosting between the cooled cake layers and on top and sides of the cake.

Ingredient Alternatives

cream cheese

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: ricotta

Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor with fewer calories.

walnuts

Healthier: pecans

Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Pecans provide a similar texture and flavor, while sunflower seeds are nut-free.

granulated sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

vegetable oil

Healthier: applesauce

Cheaper: canola oil

Applesauce reduces fat while adding moisture.

Techniques

mixingbakingfolding

Equipment

mixing bowlswhiskspatulacake pansovenwire rack
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lownutsdairygluteneggs

Also Known As

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

White cake is a classic American dessert often associated with celebrations like weddings and birthdays. Its light, fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor make it a favorite for layering with various fillings and frostings. Traditionally, it's made with simple ingredients, reflecting the home baking culture of the U.S. Today, variations abound, including flavored versions and creative decorations, ensuring its place in modern baking.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • unsalted butter
  • eggs
  • milk
  • baking powder
  • vanilla extract
  • salt
  • powdered sugar
  • heavy cream
  • butter
  • vanilla extract
  • food coloring
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. 3In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. 5Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. 6In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. 7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
  8. 8Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  9. 9Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  10. 10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. 11Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  12. 12While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  13. 13Add heavy cream and vanilla extract to the frosting, mixing until fluffy.
  14. 14Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top.
  15. 15Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  16. 16Decorate with sprinkles or food coloring as desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

unsalted butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

granulated sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

powdered sugar

Healthier: erythritol

Cheaper: granulated sugar

Erythritol is a sugar substitute with fewer calories.

Techniques

creamingmixingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlselectric mixermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsspatulacake panswire racks
milkeggswheat

Also Known As

Vanilla CakeClassic White Cake

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