Orange Almond Carrot Cake With Creme Fraiche Frosting Recipe

You can make this soft carrot cake with creme fraiche filling ahead of time.  

Cake – 2 large eggs, separated to yolks and white – 10 1/2 tablespoons (150 g) unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup (100 g) white granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar – 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice – 1 tablespoon orange zest – 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, optional – 11 oz (320 g) carrots, ends trimmed, finely grated (about 2 cups grated) – 1 3/4 cups (225 g) all-purpose flour – 1 cup (110 g) almond meal – 2 teaspoons baking powder – 1 teaspoon baking soda Frosting – 1/2 heaping cup (150 g) creme fraiche – 6 tablespoons (90 g) mascarpone cheese – 1/4 cup (40 g) powdered sugar, plus more to taste – 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

INGREDIENTS

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease 9-inch (22-cm) cake pan, and line bottom with baking paper.   

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until foamy. Egg yolks are followed by orange juice, zest, salt, vanilla, and orange blossom water. Mix in.  

STEP 2

Mix carrots, flour, almond meal, baking powder, and soda. Thick batter. Whisk egg whites until stiff in a clean, dry bowl. Add them to batter twice. The dense dough makes this tough, but slowly work them in.   

STEP 3

Scrape and smooth batter in pan. Baking cake in center of oven for 40-50 minutes or until spear comes out clean (crumbs are fine, raw batter is not).   

STEP 4

Remove cake from oven and let cool 15 minutes. Scrape pan sides with a thin knife, then remove cake. Let cool completely before icing. Plastic wrap the cake and refrigerate overnight at room temperature.   

STEP 5

Make frosting by whisking all ingredients in a medium bowl until creamy. Adjust sugar to taste. Spread frosting on cake with spoon or spatula. Add decorations and serve.  

STEP 6

Iced cakes can be chilled overnight. Cold helps mascarpone solidify, making cake slicing simpler.   

STEP 7

Coconut Apricot Puffed Rice Bars Recipe 

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