Let’s Eat Cake: I Love Carrot Cake with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting!

I want to talk about cake!

This isn’t just any old cake. This is my favourite cake.

Well… one of many. I seem to have a long list of favourites. But a really good Black Forest? That’s the royal family of cakes- king and queen, no argument. Although, to be fair, a good Black Forest is also a pricey affair. You need lashings of freshly whipped cream, you need proper cherries, and- very importantly- you need Kirsch.

You can’t skimp on a Black Forest. And for the love of butter, don’t think you can impress me with buttercream. No, no. I’m not easily seduced. Although… I do love a good caramel cake. Honestly, slap caramel on anything and I’m yours.

But if you asked me- really asked me- what my favourite cake of all time is… I’ve got very strong opinions. I’m sorry, but I do. It’s carrot cake. Proper carrot cake.

There’s nothing better. And when I say “good carrot cake,” I mean a chunky, rustic, unapologetically textured slice. I want to see the grated carrots. Chew on them. Don’t purée them into oblivion. And nuts- must- have. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts- I’m not fussy. But carrot cake without nuts? That’s just sad.

And if it doesn’t have cream cheese frosting- don’t even bother serving it. I will judge you. I will sigh, dramatically. I will quietly question your character.

We’ve all been there. A restaurant menu promises carrot cake, only for it to arrive drenched in some sugary icing syrup. Basically a cup of boiled sugar water. You can’t just drizzle disappointment and call it dessert.

Some retailers and coffee shops are even trying to pass off naked carrot cakes- without the cream cheese. I ask you: what is the world coming to?

Now, let’s tackle a common misconception: just because it contains carrots does not mean it’s healthy. I know some people- well- meaning but misguided- think carrot cake is somehow nutritious. Bless.

Carrot cake is loaded with sugar, fat, and often inflammatory oils. It’s not a superfood. It’s not your five- a- day. It’s cake. Let’s be honest about that.

Same goes for those Bunny Mimosas I mentioned earlier- replacing orange juice with carrot juice doesn’t make it a detox drink. It’s still got bubbles. Not one for your AA meeting.

Then, of course, there are people who want to get all creative with carrot cake. They add pineapple or coconut. And that’s fine- it starts to taste like those pineapple- and- carrot salads we all saw at family braais in the ’90s.

Delicious, in its own nostalgic way.

Me? I draw the line at raisins. Life is hard enough. We don’t need raisins in our carrot cake. Raisins are an abomination. Raisins are definitely not welcome at Easter.

Serving Tips:
Slice and serve at room temperature for the best flavour.
For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or orange zest over the frosting.
Serve with a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy it just like the Brits do!

This is important- wait until the cake cools down before frosting it. I know, I know. Patience is hard. But melted frosting is a tragedy best avoided unless you wanted it intentionally.

Garnishing? A few extra chopped nuts on top. Or, if you’re feeling dramatic, shards of white chocolate. For Easter, those little fondant bunnies and carrots? Super cute- but a lot of effort for minimum reward. Do it if it brings you joy.

Want to zhuzh it up? Grate a bit of orange zest into your frosting. You’ll get lovely flecks of colour and a citrusy zing that cuts the sweetness beautifully.

And always, always serve your cake at room temperature. Please, I beg you- take it out the fridge. Let it warm up for 30 to 45 minutes. Or, if you’re like me, and nobody’s home, and you’re feeling just a bit naughty…
Microwave it. Just a little. Let the frosting melt into a puddle. Add a scoop of ice cream. Suddenly it’s not just cake- it’s pudding. Dessert. Bliss. My husband was horrified the first time he saw me do this. But honestly? I’ve never looked back.

And that is how you love a carrot cake properly. Whether you’re spending Easter with friends, family, or just enjoying your own fabulous company- I hope you treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying.

May your Easter weekend be as joyful as melted icing on warm cake.