What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Carrot and Walnut Cake?
Mary Berry carrot and walnut cake is a great dessert on its own, but you can also serve it with some of these options:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess and richness.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or honey for extra sweetness and flavor.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice.
- A cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing and relaxing drink.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Carrot and Walnut Cake
To make the best Mary Berry carrot and walnut cake, follow these tips:
- Use sunflower oil instead of butter for a lighter and more moist cake. You can also use other vegetable oils, such as canola or rapeseed oil.
- Use ripe bananas for a natural sweetness and softness. You can also use applesauce or yogurt as a substitute.
- Use light muscovado sugar for a richer flavor and color. You can also use regular caster sugar or brown sugar as a substitute.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and spices to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Fold the batter gently to avoid overmixing and toughening the cake.
- Test the cake for doneness by inserting a skewer or a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes until done.
- Cool the cake completely before icing it to prevent the icing from melting or sliding off.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a thicker and more stable icing. You can also use low-fat cream cheese, but you may need to add more icing sugar or refrigerate it before spreading it on the cake.
- Decorate the cake with some chopped walnuts and walnut halves for extra crunch and beauty.
How do I store and Freeze Mary Berry Carrot and Walnut Cake?
To store Mary Berry carrot and walnut cake, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cake well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cake, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Carrot and Walnut Cake?
To reheat Mary Berry carrot and walnut cake, follow these steps:
- Cut the cake into slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 3) and bake the cake slices for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- Enjoy your warm and delicious carrot and walnut cake!
FAQs
How do I make the cream cheese icing thicker and more stable?
The cream cheese icing can be runny and unstable if you use low-fat cream cheese, or if the cream cheese is too warm. To make it thicker and more stable, you can do one of the following:
- Use full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat cream cheese. This will give you a richer and creamier icing that holds its shape better.
- Refrigerate the cream cheese before using it. This will make it firmer and easier to whisk with the butter and sugar.
- Add more icing sugar to the cream cheese mixture. This will make it sweeter and stiffer, but be careful not to add too much or it will become too sweet and grainy.
How do I store and freeze the carrot and walnut cake?
The carrot and walnut cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store it, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cake well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you want to keep it.
- To thaw the frozen cake, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I use other nuts or fruits instead of walnuts and bananas?
Yes, you can use other nuts or fruits instead of walnuts and bananas, as long as they have a similar texture and flavor. For example, you can use:
- Pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts. These nuts will add a different crunch and nuttiness to the cake.
- Applesauce or yogurt instead of bananas. These ingredients will add a different sweetness and moistness to the cake.
- Raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries instead of walnuts. These fruits will add a different sweetness and chewiness to the cake.
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