Delicious and Nutritious: Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe
Few things are as comforting and delicious as a moist, creamy slice of carrot cake. The Commissary Carrot Cake recipe, originally from the famous Frog Commissary cookbook, offers a unique take on this classic dessert. The Frog Commissary was one of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants in the 70s and 80s, known for its eclectic menu and inventive approach to cooking.
This recipe for Commissary Carrot Cake has become a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. It is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a birthday cake that is sure to impress. This recipe is easy to follow, and the simple but flavorful ingredients make it accessible for all levels of bakers.
The luscious combination of carrots, raisins, coconut, and pecans creates a delectable blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. The addition of cinnamon only enhances the warm and cozy sensation this dessert evokes.
Finally, it’s worth noting that this recipe includes an irresistible cream cheese frosting that truly sets it apart. The frosting is a delightful concoction of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract: it adds just the right amount of tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for something special to make for dessert or want to try a deliciously different take on traditional carrot cake, then I highly recommend trying this Commissary Carrot Cake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for an indulgent and flavorful dessert, you cannot go wrong with the Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe. This recipe is pure magic, packing a delicious combination of crunchy pecans, juicy raisins, and sweet carrots that are perfectly balanced by a hint of cinnamon.
But this cake is more than just a tasty treat – it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or just enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this carrot cake always hits the spot.
One of the standout features of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. If nuts aren’t for you, simply leave them out without compromising on taste or texture. Similarly, you can experiment with different add-ins such as shredded coconut or finely diced pineapple to take your cake to the next level.
The Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe is worth trying even if you think you don’t like carrot cake because we promise it’s nothing like any other carrot cakes you’ve had before!
Ingredient List
The ingredient list of the Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe may look extensive, but it is all worth it. This recipe includes the classic ingredients of a carrot cake, such as carrots, raisins, and pecans. These ingredients add a unique flavor and texture to the cake that you will enjoy bite after bite. The use of coconut in this recipe gives an extra fragrance and texture.
Here is the complete list of ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups corn oil or vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Pecan Cream Filling:
- 8 oz soft cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz soft cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting with the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Baking a Commissary Carrot Cake may seem daunting but this recipe is absolutely achievable. Once all the ingredients are measured out and the oven is preheated, it’s time to get started. Here are the steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Before anything else, gather all of your ingredients and measure them out. Sift together 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Then, collect the wet ingredients: 2 cups of sugar, 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil, 4 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour mixture, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine oil, eggs, carrots and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry mixture while stirring continuously until there are no lumps.
5. Add raisins and pecans
Fold in 1 cup of raisins and 1 cup of chopped pecans into the batter.
6. Bake the carrot cake
Divide the batter evenly into two greased cake pans and bake at 350°F for around 25-30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
7. Make Pecan Cream Filling
While waiting for the cakes to finish baking, you can make a Pecan Cream Filling as follows:
Combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract in a mixing bowl then mix it up until thickened frosting forms.
Once finished cooking allow both cakes to cool completely on wire racks then fill with pecan cream filling between layers top off with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible flavor that everyone will surely love!
Yeild: 8 Servings
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for Commissary Carrot Cake is already delicious as it is, but if you want to switch things up or make some adjustments, there are many variations and substitutions you can try.
For a healthier twist on this classic cake, consider replacing some of the sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase fiber content.
If you’re not a fan of coconut or pecans, feel free to substitute these ingredients with chopped walnuts or almonds. You can also add or remove raisins based on your taste preferences.
To infuse even more flavors into your cake, experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. You can also add an extra dimension of sweetness by including pineapple chunks in the batter.
For a decorative and celebratory touch, make this recipe into a birthday cake by adding frosting and cake decorations. Try using cream cheese frosting to complement the flavors of the cake, and top it off with fresh flowers or fruit for a beautiful presentation.
Overall, this recipe is very versatile and allows for plenty of creative freedom in terms of substituting and varying ingredients. Whatever you choose to do, just be sure to maintain the core ingredients of carrots, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting to ensure the classic taste is still present.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked your luscious Commissary Carrot Cake, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy with a perfect pairing. This dessert is certainly a show-stopper and will make a great addition to any special occasion or celebration, including birthday parties, weddings, potlucks, or simply as an indulgence with friends and family.
When it comes to serving this cake, it looks best when cut into even slices and served on plates. Adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top not only elevates the flavor but also makes the presentation more elegant. If you’re feeling creative, you can also try decorating your cake with piping techniques using your favorite frosting flavors.
Now that we’ve covered serving, let’s get to the pairing. I highly recommend pairing Commissary Carrot Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The aroma and warmth of these beverages complement the rich spices and nuttiness in the cake while making for a cozy treat.
If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to incorporate some alcohol into your dessert experience, a glass of sweet dessert wine would pair perfectly with this recipe. Think muscat or port wines for a harmonious after-dinner taste.
In conclusion, the Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe makes for an irresistible dessert that can be served and paired in numerous ways. Whether you choose to accompany yours with coffee or wine, rest assured that this heavenly cake will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Commisary Carrot Cake is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for days without losing its flavor and texture. This makes it a perfect recipe for busy schedules or special occasions where you want to prepare something in advance.
To make ahead, simply bake the cake and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the wrapped cake from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. If frozen, let the cake defrost in the fridge overnight, then bring it out to stand at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
If you’re looking to reheat the cake, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place slices or pieces on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
For storing leftover frosting, simply place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If needed, soften the frosting by bringing it back to room temperature before using it again.
With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have fresh Commisary Carrot Cake whenever you want it!
Tips for Perfect Results
After following the Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe, you would want to make sure that your cake turns out to be perfect. Here are some tips that can help in achieving an ideal result.
Firstly, make sure to grate the carrots finely. You do not want big shreds of carrots in your cake as they tend to make it feel too grainy. Also, try not to overcrowd the pan while baking it. Overcrowding will lead to uneven baking and can make the cake dry or deflate it.
Secondly, it is crucial not to overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake; therefore, mix until everything is just incorporated.
To ensure a moist and fluffy texture of the cake, add some coconut flakes or raisins to the mix. Doing so adds some extra moisture and lends a subtle flavor to your cake.
To enhance the taste of your cream cheese frosting, use only high-quality cream cheese and unsalted butter. Soften both butter and cheese before mixing them for a lump-free smooth frosting.
For an extra-special touch, have fun with decorating your carrot cake. It’s perfect for any occasion! Some creative ideas could include forming carrot shapes on top or piping small flowers onto your frosting using a pastry bag.
Last but not least, let the cake cool entirely before adding any frosting. The reason behind this is simple- if you frost your cake while it is still warm or hot; then, your frosting may melt off or slide around unevenly. Cool cakes retain their shape far better when frosted after cooling completely.
By following these tips, you’ll have ultimate delight when enjoying the famous Frog Commissary Carrot Cake recipe either alone or shared with loved ones- Congratulations on making an excellent baking choice!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Commissary Carrot Cake recipe is a tried-and-true classic that will not disappoint. From its perfect balance of spices to the moistness imparted by carrots, raisins and pecans, this cake has been loved for generations. Its versatility and adaptability make it ideal for many occasions: a comforting breakfast treat, an elegant dessert or even as an impressive birthday cake.
As simple as it may seem, it does require some extra TLC when making it. Following the directions carefully is essential. Remember to take your time creaming the butter and sugar; make sure to measure all ingredients correctly and not to overmix the batter.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a sweet treat or impress guests with your baking prowess, this Commissary Carrot Cake recipe is definitely worth trying. So grab your apron, turn up the music and get ready for a delicious and satisfying baking experience that you will always cherish.
Commissary Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 6 ounces unsalted butter (3/4 cup)
- 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 1/4 cups corn oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups carrots, grated (about a 1 lb. bag)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup raisins
- to taste cream cheese frosting
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, soft
- 8 ounces cream cheese, soft
- 1 (1 lb) box powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces coconut, sweetened, shredded
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan,blend well the flour,sugar and salt. Gradually stir in the cream.
- Add the butter.
- Cook and stir the mixture over a low heat until the butter has melted, then let simmer for 20-30 minutes until golden brown in color, stirring occasionally.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Stir in the nuts and vanilla.
- Let cool and refrigerate, preferably overnight. If too thick to spread, bring to room temperature before using.
- Carrot Cake Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Have ready a greased and floured 10" tube cake pan.
- In a large bowl Whisk together the corn oil and sugar.
- Sift together the flour, cinnamon,baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sift half the dry ingredients into the sugar-oil mixture and blend.
- Alternately, sift in the rest of the dry ingredients while adding the eggs, one by one. Combine well.
- Add the carrots, raisins, and pecans.
- Pour into the prepared tube pan and bake for 70 minutes.
- Cool upright on a cooling rack If you fare not using the cake that day it can be removed from the pan,wrapped in plastic and stored at room temp.
- Cheese Cream Filling Cream the butter well.
- Add the cream cheese and beat until blended.
- Sift in the sugar and add the vanilla.
- If it is to soft to spread, chill a bit.Chill if not using immediately, but bring to room Temp.
- before spreading.
- Assembly Preheat oven to 300 F.
- Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until it colors lightly.
- Toss the coconut occasionally while it is baking so that it browns evenly Cool completely.
- Have the filling and the frosting at a spreadable consistency.
- Loosen the cake in it's pan and invert onto a serving plate. With a long serving knife, carefully split the cake into three horizontal layers.
- Spread the filling between the Layers.
- Spread the frosting over the top and sides.
- Pat the coconut onto the sides of the cake. If desired, save 1/2 cup of the frosting and color 1/2 with green food coloring 1/2 with orange, pipe on the top to form little carrots
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.