Recipe for a simple and quick carrot cake with chocolate
If you like moist, aromatic baked goods, be sure to try this chocolate carrot cake. This is a simple recipe for a homemade cake that delights with its soft interior, intense chocolate flavor, and the addition of grated carrots, which keeps it fresh for a long time. Importantly, you don’t need a mixer to prepare it – just a bowl, a spoon, and a few basic ingredients.
This easy carrot cake with chocolate is perfect for everyday with a cup of coffee, as well as for family gatherings or a weekend dessert. The addition of chopped chocolate makes every bite even more delicious, and preparation takes literally just a moment. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe for a moist carrot cake without a mixer, this bake will surely become one of your favorites!
Why is it worth baking this chocolate carrot cake?
Recently, I had a more intense time baking cakes, due to expected guests. One of the cakes I baked during this period is this super simple and quick, moist carrot cake with chocolate. You can even prepare this cake without using a mixer! All you need is a bowl and a spoon. Plus, the cake is made from very basic ingredients that you either already have or can easily get at any store. The carrot cake is very moist thanks to the grated carrots, and it’s also super chocolatey with pieces of slightly melted chocolate inside. If you have a picky eater at home, or someone who hasn’t liked carrot cakes until now, give them this chocolate carrot cake!
What ingredients are essential for baking chocolate carrot cake?
Below is a condensed list of products I used and possible substitutes.
- chocolate – I prefer less sweet cakes, so I added dark chocolate here; it can also be semi-sweet chocolate, and if you have a “sweet tooth” you can use milk chocolate or a mix of both
- cocoa – you need unsweetened cocoa, it can be regular or defatted; if you don’t have it at home, use more wheat flour instead
- oil – for me it’s rapeseed oil, but you can use any oil with a mild flavor; it can also be melted coconut oil, or melted butter
- milk – I use 1.5% milk, you can use any other milk – including plant-based
- baking soda – to prevent the cake from being dense due to the large amount of carrots and chocolate, it’s worth using baking soda, which is much stronger than baking powder; however, if you don’t have baking soda, use 3 teaspoons of baking powder
Can nuts be added to the cake?
Yes. Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts go great with the cake. They will add crunch and extra aroma to the baked good. Remember that the calorie content of the cake will also change then!
How to decorate carrot cake with chocolate?
After the cake had completely cooled, I covered it with a simple chocolate glaze. For this, I heated 50 ml of heavy cream in a pot, and when it was hot, I added 50 g of semi-sweet chocolate – I mixed everything together until the chocolate melted and I got a smooth glaze. After it cooled slightly, I poured it over the entire cake, and finally sprinkled it with nut brittle.
You can prepare a similar glaze, or make it with milk chocolate – in that case, use less heavy cream – reduce the amount to 25 ml. You can also sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar, and that will be enough for the entire decoration :)
How to store chocolate carrot cake?
The cake is best stored covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After the cake has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container with a lid, or cover it with a cake dome. You can also freeze the cake for about 3 months. After it has completely cooled, cut the cake into portions, wrap it tightly, and freeze.
I hope this chocolate carrot cake will stay in your home for a long time and become one of those recipes you gladly return to. It’s a simple, quick, and reliable bake that delights with its moist interior and delicious combination of carrots and chocolate. If you try this recipe, be sure to let me know in the comments how you liked the cake and if you made any modifications to it.
If you like tried-and-true recipes for homemade cakes and desserts, I also invite you to follow my Instagram profile, where I regularly publish new culinary inspirations, tips, and behind-the-scenes of recipe creation. Be sure to also download my recipe app, so you’ll always have all your favorite recipes at hand. Enjoy and see you with the next sweet bakes!
Recommended carrot cake recipes
If you like cakes and other baked goods with carrots, be sure to also try my other recipes for sweets with this delicious vegetable. Here I recommend three such recipes, among others, and many more on the blog.
