Carrot Cake
Many individuals likely experienced a dislike for certain foods during childhood, and for me, that food was vegetables, particularly carrots. The idea that carrot cake could become one of my favorite desserts as an adult would have left my younger self flabbergasted. With a diverse array of culinary traditions and flavors available, the prospect of venturing into new foods can feel daunting. However, embracing these culinary experiences is not only an opportunity to broaden our tastes but can also mean enhancing our gut health. With this in mind, let’s explore the delightful world of carrot cake.
Carrot cake was invented to expand options during a time when sugar was limited and pricey. Carrots added moisture and a bit of sweetness to the dessert and was mostly seen for it’s health benefits during the health craze of the 1960’s/70’s. The Philadelphia Cream Cheese company, now owned by Kraft, was the first to publish a carrot cake recipe with cream cheese frosting. For an easy version of this cake, I have linked the current online version of the Kraft recipe below. I found it interesting, to say the least, that it incorporates crushed pineapple into the cake, though I would assume it is to add moisture. There are versions where carrot cake includes coconut shavings in it as well, and though that is not for me, I know a few who say they prefer it that way.
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Carrot Cake is also known as Passion Cake.
Facts about Carrot Cake and carrots:
Carrot Cake likely originated from carrot pudding, made during the Middle Ages.
Add shredded carrots to the cake batter last! This keeps them from reacting with the baking powder, which can turn them green because of their sensitive pH balance.
The antioxidants in carrots can help decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
The Queen of England’s favorite cake is Carrot Cake (recipe below)
Carrots are an essential source for maintaining healthy eyesight.
There was only a small amount of shredded carrot in the wartime recipes, compared to the 3-4 carrots we put in the dessert now.
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Check out this video of the first slice of carrot cake being pulled out.
