How to Make Authentic Brazilian Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) with Chocolate Ganache

Simple Summary

Bolo de Cenoura is a beloved Brazilian carrot cake known for its vibrant orange color and rich, moist texture. This recipe combines the sweetness of carrots with a luscious chocolate ganache topping for a delightful twist on the classic.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large carrots, peeled and grated (about 2 cups)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a blender, combine the grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

4. Pour the carrot mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. While the cake is baking, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.

8. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

9. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

10. Pour the warm ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly.

11. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving, about 1-2 hours.

Chef's Notes

• For a more traditional Brazilian version, you can blend the carrots, eggs, and oil together before adding to the dry ingredients for a smoother texture.
• To make this cake even more moist, you can add 1/2 cup of applesauce to the batter.
• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate): 450 calories, 25g fat, 55g carbohydrates, 5g protein. This cake is a good source of vitamin A from the carrots and provides a boost of energy from the natural sugars and fats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Bolo de Cenoura as a dessert after a traditional Brazilian meal, or enjoy it with a cup of strong coffee for an afternoon treat. For a special touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration where a crowd-pleasing dessert is needed.