INTRODUCTION

Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake is a delightful and simple cake recipe that everyone will love. It brings the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake in a convenient tray bake form. This means it’s easy to share and perfect for both parties and a cozy family treat. With moist carrots, warm spices, and a creamy frosting, this tray bake offers a delicious taste that will please all ages.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is fantastic for many reasons. Firstly, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special skills. Even if you are new to baking, you can create an amazing cake using this recipe. Secondly, it is versatile and can be served at any time. You can enjoy it as a sweet afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or for a special celebration. Lastly, the combination of spices and carrots makes it a lovely treat that feels both homey and festive.

HOW TO MAKE Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake

Making Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake is very simple. You will follow a straightforward process that makes baking fun and enjoyable. This recipe includes all the ingredients you need and gives easy steps to follow to create a perfect cake.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start baking, make sure you have the right equipment. Here is a list of what you will need:

A large mixing bowl
A whisk or electric mixer
A measuring jug
Measuring cups and spoons
A baking tray (about 30×20 cm)
Baking parchment or non-stick spray
A cooling rack
An icing spatula or knife for spreading frosting

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake, gather the following ingredients:

300g grated carrots
3 large eggs
200ml sunflower oil
250g caster sugar
300g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
100g walnuts (optional, chopped)
For the frosting:
300g cream cheese
150g icing sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare Your Oven and Tray:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F. Line the baking tray with baking parchment or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the sunflower oil, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and grated carrots. Mix until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake tough.
Add Walnuts (Optional):
If you are using chopped walnuts, gently fold them into the batter.
Pour into Tray:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly.
Bake the Cake:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, mix the cream cheese, icing sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cake using an icing spatula or knife.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake!

HOW TO SERVE Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake

Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake is perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as an afternoon snack or dessert after a meal. To make it even special, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a little extra zest of lemon on top of the frosting. You can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a wonderful afternoon treat.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake

To store the carrot cake, keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in cling film and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then frost it before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can enjoy this tray bake in many ways! Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for flavor.
For a lighter option, serve with fresh fruit like berries on the side.

VARIATIONS

Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake can be customized in several ways. Here are a few ideas:

Add More Fruits: You can mix in raisins or pineapple for added sweetness and moisture.
Spice It Up: Consider adding some ginger for a spicier flavor.
Different Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a simple vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache for a twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute self-raising flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can use peanuts or pecans instead of walnuts if you prefer.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
Can I make the cake without eggs?
Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan version.
How long does it take to make the cake?
The total time for preparation and baking is about 1 hour, including cooling time.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake and leave it un-frosted. Store it in an airtight container until you are ready to serve. You can frost the cake just before serving to keep it fresh. This way, you can easily make it for parties or for a busy week ahead!

In conclusion, Martha’s Carrot Cake Traybake is an easy, delicious recipe that everyone can enjoy. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a favorite in many households. Happy baking!