Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy sourdough and sweet carrots with this moist and flavorful Sourdough Carrot Cake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (or active starter)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (coconut sugar or organic cane sugar work well)
- 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13 pan).
- In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk for a smoother consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on one cake round, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides evenly.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg