Swiss Carrot Cake for 8 with Scandinavian Flair

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 cups (200g) grated carrots
• 1/2 cup (60g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Decoration:

• Scandinavian flag toothpicks
• Carrot shavings
• Walnut halves

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

50-60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2/5 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, and eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, and beat until just combined.
4. Stir in the carrots, raisins, and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until smooth.
3. Add the lemon juice and beat for another minute.

Assembly:

1. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
2. Decorate with Scandinavian flag toothpicks, carrot shavings, and walnut halves.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1/8 of the cake):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and flavorful carrot cake with a Scandinavian twist
• Aromatic spices and sweet carrots enhance the flavor
• Creamy frosting and decorative details add a touch of elegance
• Perfect for special occasions or as a dessert for any meal

User Comments:

• "The perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the spices and carrots shining through."
• "The frosting is light and fluffy, adding a creamy contrast to the dense cake."
• "The Scandinavian decorations give it a fun and festive touch."
• "A delightful and visually appealing dessert that will impress my guests."
• "Easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make the cake gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
• To prevent the cake from sticking, grease and flour the pan thoroughly.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For a more intense flavor, grate the carrots finely.