Ah, Friday—a day that holds a special place in our hearts. The week’s hustle and bustle begin to fade away, and the promise of a relaxing weekend peeks around the corner. For me, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of the weekend than with a steaming cup of coffee ☕ and a slice of my freshly baked Carrot Cake with a delightful twist: a Philly-inspired extra sour frosting.
The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow over my kitchen. As I brew my favorite coffee blend, the aroma fills the air with a sense of anticipation. There’s something magical about that first sip on a Friday—it’s as if the world slows down for a moment, allowing us to savor the rich, comforting flavor.
But the real star of the day is the Carrot Cake. The recipe I’m about to share is a family favorite, passed down through generations and infused with love. It’s a symphony of flavors—sweet carrots, aromatic spices, and the perfect amount of moisture that makes each bite a heavenly experience.
Carrot Cake Recipe: Ingredients:
- 2 cups of grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, sugar, and oil. Mix well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts (if using), crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Now, let’s talk about the frosting that takes this Carrot Cake to the next level—the Philly-inspired extra sour frosting.
Philly-Inspired Extra Sour Frosting: Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Once the Carrot Cake layers have cooled, generously spread the extra sour frosting on top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
The result? A slice of heaven that combines the sweetness of the carrot cake with the zesty kick of the sour frosting. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy alongside your Friday coffee—a delightful way to kick off the weekend.
So, my fellow coffee and cake enthusiasts, this Friday, indulge in the simple pleasures. Brew your favorite coffee, bake a delicious Carrot Cake with a twist, and savor the flavors of the weekend. Cheers to Friday bliss! 🍰🍋😍
