CARROT CAKE
Traditionally in Sweden, carrot cake is not really a cake – more like blondies made with grated carrot and seasoned with cinnamon and cardamom, then topped with a thick layer of frosting. This is my version in layercake form. If you want to make a four-layer cake (as pictured above), make two batches of the sponge and double the amount of frosting.
Preparation 35 minutes Cooking 1 hour Serves 8-10
150ML AQUAFABA
180G CASTER SUGAR
60G POTATO STARCH
180G PLAIN FLOUR
2 TBSP GROUND CINNAMON
1 TBSP GROUND CARDAMOM
¼ TSP SALT
1 TSP VANILLA BEAN PASTE
2 TSP BAKING POWDER
100ML RAPESEED OIL
150G CARROTS, PEELED AND GRATED FOR THE FROSTING
150G VEGAN MARGARINE
120G ICING SUGAR
250G VEGAN CREAM CHEESE
1 TSP GROUND CARDAMOM
1 TSP VANILLA BEAN PASTE
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) gas mark 4 and grease and line a round cake tin 15cm-18cm in diameter, with a depth of at least 10cm.
2 Put the aquafaba and sugar in a large bowl and beat with a hand-held electric whisk until white and fluffy.
3 In a separate bowl, combine the potato starch, flour, spices, salt, vanilla and baking powder, then fold this into the aquafaba and sugar mixture.
4 Add the oil and grated carrots to the batter and stir until smooth. Pour into the prepared tin and bake in the lower part of the oven for 50-60 minutes until risen and golden. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean.
5 Allow the sponge to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6 Once cooled, cut the cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife so that you get two even layers.
7 To make the frosting, place the margarine in a large bowl, sift over the icing sugar, then beat until light and fluffy using a hand-held electric whisk. Add the cream cheese, cardamom and vanilla and beat again until smooth.
8 Place a sponge layer on a serving plate. Cover with some of the frosting, then place the other sponge on top. Using a palette knife, cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
9 Place the cake in the fridge for about an hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.