Brazilian Carrot Cake

What makes this Brazilian Carrot Cake better than regular carrot cake? The chocolate coating, of course!

If you’ve never had Brazilian carrot cake, prepare to completely redefine your cake expectations. Unlike the spicy cream cheese-topped versions we all know and love, this Brazilian-inspired gem is a sunny, orange-colored cake that’s incredibly soft and moist, with the sweetness of the carrots shining through.

The real magic, though? It’s all in the delicious, velvety chocolate frosting that’s poured on top, creating an irresistible combination that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here).

Brazilian carrot cake, or Carrot Cake as it is called in Portuguese, it is a staple in Brazilian households, often served during afternoon coffee breaks or as a delicious treat for guests. It’s a recipe loved for its ease, simplicity, and of course, that decadent chocolate frosting.

This Brazilian carrot cake is…

• Soft and moist: Thanks to the natural sweetness and moisture of carrots, every bite is tender and satisfying.
• Simple to make: There are no fancy techniques here – just blend, stir and cook.
• Perfectly sweet: The cake itself isn’t overly sweet, allowing the rich chocolate frosting to really shine.
• Suitable for children: Without overpowering spices or nuts, it’s a hit with even the pickiest of eaters.
• Great for any occasion: Be it a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this cake is always a crowd pleaser.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Carrots: The star of the show. Use fresh, peeled carrots for the best flavor.

Sugar: Regular granulated white sugar keeps the cake sweet and light. You could experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but it may change the texture slightly.

Canola oil: Feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or even melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Egg: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, flax eggs can also work, but they will alter the traditional texture of the cake.

All-purpose flour: Keeps the cake light and fluffy. If necessary you can replace with a mixture of gluten-free flours.

Yeast and salt: Indispensable for good leavening and a balanced flavour.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These blend into a perfect glaze. You could use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or milk chocolate if you like things a little sweeter.

Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the glaze. It’s a classic ingredient in Brazilian desserts, but you could try using evaporated milk with extra sugar if you need a substitute.

Heavy cream: Gives nail polish a silky smooth texture. You could swap it for half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Butter: Adds richness and helps nail polish set beautifully. Vegan butter would work as a substitute if needed.

Helpful tips

Blend the carrots well

The smoother the carrot mixture, the smoother your cake will be. A few small pieces of carrot are fine, but blending them until almost smooth will give you the best texture.

Do not over mix

Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.

Cooling is key

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before turning it out and make sure this is the case completely cooled before adding the chocolate icing. This will prevent the icing from seeping into the cake too much and from becoming too runny.

The temperature of the enamel is important

Allow the icing to cool slightly before pouring it onto the cake. This helps it set well without coming off the sides of the cake too quickly.

Store and serve

Store the cake at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, wrapped in cling film or in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out.

You can too freeze the cake for up to two months. I still recommend freezing the cake without chocolate frosting. Then defrost the cake and apply the chocolate icing before serving.

Variations

Chocolate And Carrot Cake

Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking to form little pockets of melted chocolate all over the cake.

Hazelnut twist

Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and flavor.

Citrus peel

Add a little orange or lemon zest to the mix for a bright, citrusy pop that pairs beautifully with the chocolate frosting.

Spicy version

If you miss the spices of traditional carrot cake, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.

Brazilian carrot cake is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, but special enough to serve on the holidays, too. The blend of the sweet and moist carrot cake with that divine chocolate frosting is something everyone should try at least once and believe me, after the first bite you will be hooked. So, go ahead, grab those carrots and start baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Other tasty ideas

If you love this Brazilian carrot cake, be sure to check out these other carrot-inspired treats.

Recipe