Why You’ll Love Brazilian Carrot Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe Recipe
This version of Brazilian Carrot Cake stands out for several reasons:
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It’s soft, moist, and naturally colorful thanks to pureed carrots mixed right into the batter.
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The chocolate coating or frosting adds a decadent finish that complements the subtle sweetness of the carrots.
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Simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
carrots, peeled and chopped
large eggs
all‑purpose flour
baking powder
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
neutral vegetable oil
unsweetened cocoa powder
chocolate (for glaze or frosting)
sweetened condensed milk
butter
salt
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to around 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a cake pan. -
Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the carrots, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth. -
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour the carrot mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely. -
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
For a classic Brazilian glaze, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened and glossy. Let cool slightly. -
Coat the Cake
Spread the chocolate topping over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 8–12 slices (depending on pan size and slice thickness)
Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Cook Time: ~40–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Variations
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.
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Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs, use plant-based condensed milk, and choose dairy-free butter.
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Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture.
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Coconut Glaze: Replace cocoa powder with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
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Bundt Cake Style: Bake in a bundt pan and drizzle glaze for a beautiful presentation.
Storage/Reheating
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Room Temperature: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Warm slices briefly in the microwave (15–20 seconds) if desired.
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Freezing: Wrap cooled cake tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before topping with fresh glaze.
FAQs
What makes Brazilian carrot cake different from American carrot cake?
Brazilian carrot cake uses pureed carrots blended into the batter and is traditionally topped with a chocolate glaze, unlike the American version, which uses grated carrots and cream cheese frosting.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes — a strong blender can easily puree the carrots and blend the wet ingredients smoothly.
Can I skip the chocolate glaze?
You can serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, but the chocolate glaze is traditional and adds depth of flavor.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is moderately sweet, with the carrot’s natural sugars and the rich topping balancing the flavor well.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes — use flax eggs, plant-based condensed milk, and vegan butter to make a delicious vegan version.
What pan should I use?
A 20cm (8-inch) round, square, or bundt cake pan works well for this recipe.
How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Traditional recipes don’t include spices, but a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, fragrant note.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes — pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes at the same temperature.
What’s the best way to grate carrots if I don’t have a blender?
Use a fine grater to shred the carrots, then whisk them into the wet ingredients before combining with the dry mix.
Conclusion
Brazilian Carrot Cake is a delightful and unique twist on a classic dessert. Its vibrant color, moist crumb, and rich chocolate topping make it a favorite for any occasion. With simple ingredients and approachable steps, it’s a rewarding bake for both everyday treats and celebrations. Try this recipe and enjoy a slice of Brazilian baking at home.
Brazilian Carrot Cake: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brazilian carrot cake is a moist, fluffy, and vibrant dessert, topped with a rich chocolate glaze. Unlike American-style carrot cake, it uses blended raw carrots for a smooth texture and striking orange color, with no nuts or spices.
Ingredients
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing pan)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp milk
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt or rectangular cake pan with butter and lightly flour it.
- In a blender, combine chopped carrots, eggs, and oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the carrot mixture into a large bowl. Add sugar and mix until combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the chocolate glaze by combining butter, cocoa powder, milk, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack.
- Pour the warm chocolate glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
- Let the glaze set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The cake texture is best when carrots are blended very smoothly.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- You can use a rectangular pan or bundt pan, but baking time may vary slightly.
- This cake keeps well for 3–4 days stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
