Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake Recipe
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Edward Delling Williams is a celebrated chef known for his inventive and exquisite culinary creations, and his Carrot Cake recipe is a testament to his culinary expertise.
This particular recipe has garnered acclaim for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, turning a classic dessert into something extraordinary. The cake, characterized by its moist crumb and rich taste, is a delightful blend of warm spices, tender carrots, and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a smooth and creamy base.
Edward Delling Williams’ approach to this traditional dessert is both respectful of its roots and inventive in its execution, resulting in a carrot cake that is not just delicious but also a reflection of his skill and passion for baking. This recipe offers a chance for home bakers to recreate a piece of Edward’s culinary artistry in their own kitchens, promising a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy with every bite.
Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this delectable creation, from the carefully selected ingredients to the precise techniques that make this carrot cake truly exceptional.
Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer (optional for creaming)
- Grater (for carrots)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake Ingredients
The Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake recipe calls for a combination of essential ingredients that come together to create a moist and flavorful dessert.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger.
- In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Fold in 2 cups grated carrots, 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple, and, if desired, 1/2 cup each chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
- Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Spread frosting on one cake layer, top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and enjoy your Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake, a masterpiece of flavors and textures.
Cooking Tips
Continuing our culinary journey with the Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake, let’s explore some helpful cooking tips to ensure your cake turns perfectly moist and flavorful.
- Grate the carrots finely: To ensure an even distribution of carrot flavor and a moist texture, grate the carrots finely. This will also prevent any large carrot chunks from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Before starting the recipe, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This will help them incorporate better and result in a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
- Test for doneness: To avoid over or under baking, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Adapting the Recipe
Adapting the Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake recipe allows for customization to meet individual dietary preferences and restrictions while still maintaining the delicious flavors and moist texture of the classic dessert. Here are four ways to adapt the recipe:
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with vegan substitutes like flaxseed or applesauce. Opt for plant-based milk and butter alternatives to make the cake vegan-friendly. This adaptation allows individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy the dessert while still savoring its delightful taste and texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients, including baking powder, are also gluten-free. This adaptation caters to individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, enabling them to relish the carrot cake without compromising its flavor or consistency.
- Nut-Free Version: Exclude the chopped walnuts from the recipe to make it nut-free. This adaptation is suitable for those with nut allergies or preferences. The absence of nuts does not detract from the overall taste and texture of the cake.
- Sugar-Free Version: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup. This adaptation reduces the overall sugar content of the cake, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake.
Creative Serving Ideas
Enhance the presentation and enjoyment of Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake with these creative serving ideas.
One idea is to serve the cake in individual portions by baking them in muffin tins to create carrot cake cupcakes. These can be decorated with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of grated carrots on top.
Another idea is to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of each slice.
For a unique twist, serve the carrot cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warm cake to contrast with the cold, creamy ice cream.
These creative serving ideas will not only elevate the visual appeal of the cake but also enhance its flavors and textures, making it a memorable dessert experience.
PrintEdward Delling Williams Carrot Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
Description
Experience the delight of homemade Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake, a perfect blend of rich flavors and moist texture. This recipe brings together the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the sweetness of carrots and sugars, and the crunch of optional nuts and coconut. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake promises to be a showstopper for any occasion. Ideal for those who appreciate a classic dessert with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp ginger.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in Carrots and Additional Ingredients: Stir in 2 cups grated carrots, 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple, and, if using, 1/2 cup each chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: While cakes bake, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cool Cakes: After baking, let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble and Frost: Spread frosting on one cake layer, add the second layer on top, and apply frosting to the top and sides.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Walnuts can be omitted or replaced with other nuts like pecans.
- The cake can be topped with cream cheese frosting for an added indulgence.
The Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake recipe offers a delicious and versatile dessert option that can be enjoyed in various serving styles and adapted to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Whether served as a classic slice, topped with cream cheese frosting, or accompanied by whipped cream, chopped nuts, or vanilla ice cream, this carrot cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Its origins in Europe during the Middle Ages, where carrots were used as a sweetener when sugar was scarce, add a historical and cultural significance to the dessert.
Moreover, individuals with dietary restrictions can easily modify the recipe to create a vegan or gluten-free version, allowing them to indulge in the delightful flavors and moist texture of this carrot cake.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Edward Delling Williams Carrot Cake recipe provide valuable information for those interested in making this delicious dessert. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers:
- Can I make substitutions for the ingredients?
Yes, you can make some substitutions to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. You can also use vegan substitutes like flaxseed or applesauce instead of eggs, and plant-based milk and butter alternatives for a vegan version.
- How should I store the carrot cake?
To keep the carrot cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Consider writing down the recipe for easy access or storing it in a recipe binder. Consume the cake within a few days for optimal freshness.
- What are some serving ideas for the carrot cake?
You can enjoy the carrot cake by itself as a classic slice, or you can enhance the flavors with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or vanilla ice cream.
- How can I make a vegan or gluten-free version of the carrot cake?
To make a vegan version, substitute eggs with vegan alternatives, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and avoid animal-based ingredients. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or almond flour and ensure that other ingredients like baking powder are also gluten-free.