Description

Steamed Carrot Pudding Cake is a moist and spiced dessert that combines the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots with warm aromatic spices for a uniquely tender texture achieved through steaming. This comforting cake offers rich flavors, simple pantry ingredients, and a healthier alternative to traditional cakes, perfect for any occasion from casual tea times to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 ½ cups freshly grated carrots
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF version)
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan substitute)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan version)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk or coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins
1 teaspoon orange zest
Alternative spices such as cardamom or ginger

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by finely grating fresh carrots and gathering all other ingredients at room temperature to ensure even mixing and best results.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour mixture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Blend Everything Together: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots carefully to maintain the batter’s lightness and moisture.
Prepare the Steaming Setup: Grease your steaming vessel or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the container and set it inside a steamer placed over boiling water.
Steam the Cake: Cover and steam on medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

Use a fine grater for the carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend well into the batter.
Do not overmix the batter; fold gently to avoid a dense texture.
Seal the steamer properly with a clean cloth over the lid to prevent water from dripping onto the cake.
Keep water boiling steadily, but avoid vigorous boiling that might tip the container or make the cake soggy.
Start testing for doneness with a toothpick after 40 minutes to avoid over- or under-steaming.
Optional: Add chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or butter.
Variations like cardamom, ginger, or orange zest can add a unique flavor twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: steamed carrot cake, steamed pudding cake, carrot dessert, moist carrot cake, gluten free carrot cake, vegan steamed cake