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.