Carrot Cake with Cream and Jam

This delightful carrot cake combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with a rich, creamy filling and a touch of jam for a burst of flavor. It's a delightful dessert that's both moist and flavorful, perfect for special occasions or to enjoy with a cup of tea. This recipe requires a moderate level of expertise in baking but provides a satisfying experience with its multiple layers and creamy texture. It's a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into a dessert, making it a sneaky yet delicious treat. The recipe also allows flexibility in choosing your preferred kind of jam and decorative toppings like chocolate and almonds. It's a cake that promises to impress your guests with its vibrant color, pleasant tang, and sweet aroma. While the cake itself is quite rich, the use of sour cream adds a subtle tartness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor. The contrasting textures of the soft cake, creamy filling, and crunchy toppings make every bite a delightful experience. Overall, this carrot cake recipe is not just about taste but is a visually appealing dessert that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment when baked from scratch.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup sugar (add more if you prefer it sweeter)
• Vanilla sugar
• 2 teaspoons Santa Maria baking powder
• 50 g melted butter or margarine

For the Cream:

• 0.5 liters sour cream
• 200 g fresh cheese
• Sugar to taste
• Vanilla sugar to taste

For Decoration:

• Grated chocolate
• Almonds

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 120 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Separate the eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another.
2. Beat the yolks with half of the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add melted butter or margarine and grated carrots to the yolk mixture. Beat well until you obtain a liquid, vibrant orange batter.
4. Sift in the flour mixed with baking powder, folding it gently into the carrot mixture. The batter will be quite thick.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture is stiff.
6. Carefully fold the egg white mixture into the thick batter, trying to keep it as airy as possible.
7. Pour the mixture into a prepared cake pan. You can bake one thick cake or several thin layers, depending on your preference.
8. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
9. Once completed, let it cool slightly before cutting it horizontally into two or more layers.
10. For the cream filling, beat the sour cream with sugar and vanilla sugar until it forms a thick, creamy consistency. Mix in the fresh cheese for extra richness, though it's optional.
11. Choose a tart jam of your preference - this will complement the sweetness of the cake and cream. Spread a generous amount of jam on each cake layer.
12. Generously spread the cream filling over the jam. Stack the layers carefully, finishing with a covering of cream on top.
13. To decorate, drizzle your favorite jam over the cream layer, then top with grated chocolate and almonds to add a crunchy element.
14. Let the cake sit for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips

• For a lighter cake, make sure you whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks for the best aeration and texture.
• You can use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary restrictions without affecting the taste or texture.
• Adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter can give the cake a warming spice.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbs: 48g

Variations

• Substitute the vanilla sugar with almond or coffee flavoring for a unique taste.
• Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version of the cream filling.
• Add some crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light herbal tea or a strong black coffee to balance the cake's sweetness.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fresh aroma.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Best Places

1. The Coffee Collective - Known for its acclaimed brewing and baking expertise. Location: Godthåbsvej 34B, Frederiksberg, Denmark.

2. Cafe Sabarsky - This cafe offers an authentic Viennese coffeehouse experience. Location: 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY, USA.

3. Gerbeaud Cafe - A lavish setting for traditional desserts and cakes. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7, Budapest, Hungary.

4. Cafe Central - Famous for its historical atmosphere and exquisite desserts. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.

5. El Indio Feliz - Known for its outstanding cuisine and creative desserts. Location: Calle Lloque Yupanqui 4-12, Aguas Calientes, Peru.

6. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz - Offers a luxury tea experience with wonderful cakes. Location: 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London, UK.

7. Pasticceria Marchesi - Ideal for those who appreciate Italian pastries and desserts. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/A, Milan, Italy.

8. Café de la Paix - Perfect spot in Paris to indulge in sophisticated desserts. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.

9. Sadaharu Aoki Paris - Known for its modern and exquisite Japanese-inspired sweets. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.

10. Flour Bakery + Cafe - Praised for its innovative approach to baked goods. Location: 12 Farnsworth St., Boston, MA, USA.