Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake is a wonderfully moist, deliciously spiced cake that has become a fan favorite, thanks to the beloved British duo, the Hairy Bikers. Known for their fun, down-to-earth approach to cooking, Si King and Dave Myers put a personal twist on the classic carrot cake recipe. Their version is rich and indulgent, featuring the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, and the moistness that comes from a generous amount of finely grated carrots.

A key feature of this recipe is the velvety cream cheese frosting that complements the cake’s flavors perfectly, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness. The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake recipe is perfect for all occasions, from casual afternoon tea to a special birthday celebration. The recipe is also quite forgiving, allowing for variations based on individual preferences, like adding walnuts or sultanas for extra texture and flavor.

Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make the Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake, you’ll need a variety of simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s a comprehensive list:

For The Cake

• Carrots (about 4 medium-sized): Freshly grated carrots are the star of the show, lending both flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Self-raising flour (225g): This is used to give the cake structure and lightness.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): For extra lift and to help the cake rise.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the carrots.
• Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): A classic spice pairing with cinnamon, nutmeg adds an aromatic, earthy undertone.
• Bicarbonate of soda (1 tsp): To provide additional leavening and help the cake rise evenly.
• Caster sugar (200g): A fine sugar that dissolves easily, providing sweetness without making the cake overly sugary.
• Vegetable oil (200ml): The oil ensures a moist cake, and helps the dry ingredients blend smoothly.
• Eggs (3 large): Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Chopped walnuts (optional, 100g): For those who love a bit of crunch in their carrot cake, walnuts are a great addition.
• Sultanas or raisins (optional, 100g): Dried fruit adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture.

For The Frosting

• Cream cheese (200g): The creamy, tangy base of the frosting.
• Butter (100g): Softened to blend smoothly with the cream cheese.
• Icing sugar (300g): To sweeten the frosting and achieve a smooth consistency.
• Vanilla extract (½ tsp): A hint of vanilla to elevate the frosting’s flavor.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp, optional): For a slight tang, adding balance to the richness of the frosting.

Equipment Needed

Making the Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake is fairly simple, but you will need the following equipment to ensure success:

1. Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for mixing the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
2. Whisk or Electric Mixer: For beating the wet ingredients together and ensuring smooth, airy batter.
3. Grater: To grate the carrots finely.
4. Measuring Spoons and Scales: To measure the correct amounts of each ingredient for the perfect balance.
5. Cake Tins (2 x 20cm): For baking the cake layers. Alternatively, a larger tin can be used if you prefer a single-layer cake.
6. Spatula: For scraping the batter from the bowl and smoothing the frosting over the cake.
7. Cooling Rack: To allow the cake layers to cool evenly before frosting.
8. Sifter: To sift the dry ingredients, which helps avoid lumps in the batter.
9. Palette Knife or Butter Knife: For spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly across the cake layers.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, follow these steps to bake the Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly and removes any lumps.

3. Grate the Carrots:
   Using a box grater, finely grate the carrots until you have about 300g of grated carrots. Set them aside.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. This is the base of your batter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Once fully incorporated, fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and sultanas (if using).

6. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually sift in the icing sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using), and beat until fluffy and well combined.

8. Assemble the Cake:
   Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

9. Decorate (Optional):
   For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the cake for added crunch and decoration.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy the deliciously moist, spiced carrot cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• Grate the Carrots Finely: To ensure a smooth texture, make sure you grate the carrots as finely as possible. This helps the cake maintain its moisture without becoming too dense.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs and butter to come to room temperature before using them in the recipe. This helps them blend better and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: It’s essential to let the cake layers cool completely before applying the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting may melt and become runny.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add your personal touch to the cake by incorporating extras like coconut flakes, orange zest, or other dried fruits.

The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake is a fantastic, easy-to-make recipe that delivers on flavor and texture. Its combination of warm spices, moistness from the carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make your own tweaks, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a slice of happiness!.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot cake is a delightful treat that can easily be customized to suit different tastes. The Hairy Bikers’ version, renowned for its moist texture and balanced sweetness, serves as the perfect base for experimentation. Here are some simple twists to elevate their classic recipe:

1. Spices and Zest:
   Add a burst of citrus to the warm, spiced flavor of carrot cake by incorporating orange or lemon zest. This adds a zesty, refreshing contrast to the deep flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also experiment with spices like ginger or even a pinch of cardamom to create a more exotic flavor profile.

2. Nuts and Dried Fruit:
   The addition of nuts can add texture and richness to the cake.

   Walnuts and pecans are common favorites, but why not try toasted hazelnuts or almonds for a new twist?

   Dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, or even chopped dates can add a touch of natural sweetness and chewiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also mix in some dried pineapple for a tropical twist.

3. Healthier Variants:
   For a lighter version, swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour to give the cake a nutty undertone and increase its fiber content. You could also replace the oil with a more wholesome ingredient like unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, which still keeps the cake moist but with fewer calories. This twist also adds a natural sweetness.

4. Coconut:
   Coconut pairs beautifully with carrot cake. You can add shredded coconut to the batter, which gives the cake a subtle tropical flavor and extra texture. If you’re feeling indulgent, you could even sprinkle some toasted coconut on top of the cream cheese frosting for a lovely garnish.

5. Vegan or Dairy-Free:
   If you’re vegan or dairy-free, there are simple substitutions you can make to the Hairy Bikers’ recipe. Swap the eggs for flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). For the frosting, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and powdered sugar. A dairy-free margarine can replace butter in the cake for a fully vegan dessert.

6. Cream Cheese Frosting Variations:
   While the classic cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser, you could also try adding different flavors. A little bit of vanilla extract, maple syrup, or even a dollop of peanut butter can create new layers of flavor. You can also adjust the frosting’s sweetness by adding a bit of honey or using less powdered sugar if you prefer a less sugary topping.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover carrot cake after an event, it’s important to store it properly to preserve its deliciousness. Here’s how you can ensure your cake stays fresh:

1. Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage):
   If you plan to consume the leftover cake within 2-3 days, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the cake is well-covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. The cake should remain soft and moist for a few days if stored properly.

2. Refrigeration (Long-Term Storage):
   For longer storage, refrigerate your leftover carrot cake. Carrot cake, especially with cream cheese frosting, requires refrigeration due to the dairy content. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, and place it inside an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. When properly stored, it should stay fresh for up to a week.

3. Freezing for Later Enjoyment:
   If you want to store your carrot cake for an even longer period, freezing is a great option. To freeze the cake, first wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Then, place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container. Carrot cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply allow it to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. If you’ve frozen slices, you can easily thaw them as needed for a quick treat.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake?

Carrot cake is rich, moist, and sweet, making it the perfect dessert for pairing with a variety of drinks and sides. Here are some ideas for what you can serve alongside it:

1. Beverages

   • Coffee: A classic pairing for carrot cake is a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake and enhances the spiced flavors.
   • Tea: If you prefer tea, opt for something like Earl Grey, chai, or a simple black tea. The aromatic spices and citrus notes in these teas complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.
   • Milk: For a traditional and comforting pairing, a glass of cold milk always goes well with carrot cake, balancing out the sweetness and texture.

2. Ice Cream:
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream makes a fantastic pairing with carrot cake. The cool, creamy texture of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the dense, moist texture of the cake. You could also try a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

3. Fresh Fruit:
   The freshness of fruit can provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the cake. Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or citrus fruits like orange slices can add a refreshing tartness to balance the sweet flavors of the carrot cake. A fruit salad made with seasonal fruits could also be a nice addition.

4. Nuts and Seeds:
   If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider serving the carrot cake with a handful of roasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds. These crunchy additions enhance the texture and flavor profile of the dessert.

Conclusion

The Hairy Bikers’ carrot cake recipe is a classic, but with a few creative twists, it can be transformed into a dessert that suits your personal taste or dietary preferences. Whether you opt for additional spices, healthy substitutions, or a new frosting flavor, you can make the cake truly your own.

After you’ve made it, proper storage ensures that your leftovers will stay fresh for days to come. And when it’s time to enjoy your cake, a variety of beverages and side dishes can elevate the experience, making your carrot cake indulgence even more satisfying. Enjoy experimenting and savoring each slice!.

FAQs

What Makes The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake Recipe Unique?

The Hairy Bikers’ carrot cake recipe stands out due to its balance of moistness and flavor. They use a combination of ingredients like finely grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. The use of sunflower oil instead of butter ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist, and the addition of nuts (such as walnuts) gives it a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.

Can I Make Any Adjustments To The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake Recipe For Dietary Preferences?

Yes, you can make several adjustments to accommodate different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative or use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. To make it gluten-free, you can replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you also check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free.

How Can I Store The Hairy Bikers’ Carrot Cake To Keep It Fresh?

To keep the Hairy Bikers’ carrot cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to prevent the frosting from spoiling.

The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.