### How to Make a Carrot Cake with Marmalade Cream Cheese Frosting and Nut Toppings
#### Introduction:
Elevate your carrot cake game by adding a tangy twist with marmalade cream cheese frosting and crunchy nuts! This recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply as an indulgent treat. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious, homemade carrot cake that's both classic and innovative.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are recommended)
#### Marmalade Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons marmalade
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Cake Tins:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake tins or line with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
- To the dry ingredients, add the vegetable oil, sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups of grated carrots. Fold carefully to avoid breaking the batter too much.
4. **Bake the Carrot Cake:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tins, dividing it evenly between them.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Prepare Marmalade Cream Cheese Frosting:**
- In another bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of marmalade for a tangy flavor. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
6. **Assemble the Cake:**
- Allow both cakes to cool completely before assembling them.
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over it.
- Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with more frosting.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Let your cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
- This carrot cake with marmalade cream cheese frosting and nut toppings is best enjoyed within a day or two, but it can be stored properly for up to three days.
#### Tips:
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the cream cheese frosting for balance.
- For an extra special touch, garnish your cake with additional marmalade dollops and chopped nuts before serving.
- Use high-quality ingredients like real marmalade for the best taste experience.
By following these steps, you can create a delectable carrot cake that's not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion or simply to treat yourself!