The sun is beginning to shine, we can now entertain people (in the garden!), and to celebrate here’s a simple recipe that many will love

Preparation time
25-30 mins
Cooking time 35-40 minutes
Serves
Serves 12
For the Cake | |
3 | Large Eggs |
225g | Carrots |
250g | Self-raising flour (sifted) |
200g | Soft brown sugar (light, dark or muscovado) |
225ml | Sunflower or vegetable oil |
3/4 tsp | Bicarbonate of soda |
1 1/2 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
1/2 tsp | Ground mixed spice |
150g | Raisins |
Alittle water | To soak the raisins |
For the cream cheese frosting:- | |
100g | Butter (at room temperature) |
100g | Icing sugar |
200g | Cream cheese |
1/4 tsp | Vanilla extract |
Optional for decorating:- | |
Sugar carrots |
Make the cake:-
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius / 160 degrees celsius fan
Line 2 x 20cm diameter cake tins with greaseproof paper or baking liners
Place the raisins in a bowl and soak in enough water to cover
Peel and coarsely grate the carrots
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the oil and brown sugar together until combined
Step 3
Whisk in the eggs until combined – the mixture will take on a glossy appearance
Step 4
Fold in the sifted self-raising flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and mixed spice
Step 4
Split the mixture between the two cake tins and spread evenly
Step 5
Bake for 35-40 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean
Remove cakes from the oven and leave in their tins for 10 minutes
Remove cakes from the tins and place on a wire rack to cool completely before decorating
Make the frosting:-
Step 1
Cut the butter into cubes and beat with a wooden spoon until soft
Step 2
Add the icing sugar to the butter and beat until combined
Step 3
Add the cream cheese, a spoonful at a time, and beat until combined
Prepare to serve:-
Tip: If the cakes have risen to a dome whilst baking and you prefer a flat top, take a knife and slice horizontally just beneath each dome and remove.
Place one of the cakes on a dish and spread half the frosting evenly across the surface
Place the other cake on top and spread the remaining frosting over the surface
Decorate with sugar carrots, if desired