Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for baking amazing cakes. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious commissary carrot cake at home, using simple ingredients and easy steps. This is one of our favorite cakes, because it is moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. Plus, it has a creamy cream cheese frosting that makes it irresistible.
Commissary carrot cake is a popular dessert that originated in the United States military commissaries, where it was served to the soldiers and their families. It is also known as Texas sheet cake, because it is baked in a large rectangular pan and cut into squares. The cake is made with grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and spices, and it is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It is a perfect cake for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, a holiday, or just a treat for yourself.
Why You Should Try Commissary Carrot Cake
It is Easy to Make
One of the reasons why we love commissary carrot cake is that it is very easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to bake this cake. All you need is a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a baking pan. You don’t even need to peel or chop the carrots, because you can use a food processor or a grater to shred them. The batter comes together in minutes, and the baking time is only about 25 minutes. You can make the frosting while the cake is cooling, and then spread it over the cake. That’s it! You have a delicious commissary carrot cake ready to enjoy.
It is Nutritious
Another reason why we love commissary carrot cake is that it is nutritious. Yes, you heard that right. This cake is not only tasty, but also good for you. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A is essential for your vision, skin, and immune system. Pineapple is also a great source of vitamin C, which helps your body fight infections and heal wounds. Nuts are high in protein, healthy fats, and minerals, such as magnesium and zinc. These ingredients help you feel full and satisfied, and also provide you with energy and antioxidants.
It is Versatile
The third reason why we love commissary carrot cake is that it is versatile. You can customize this cake according to your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, you can use different kinds of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. You can also add raisins, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture. You can even substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream, buttercream, or ganache. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Commissary Carrot Cake
Ingredients
To make commissary carrot cake at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 3 cups of grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Frosting
To make the cream cheese frosting for the commissary carrot cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup of butter (softened)
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
To make the commissary carrot cake batter, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the cream cheese frosting, follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and cut into squares.
Commissary Carrot Cake Nutrition Facts
If you are wondering how many calories and nutrients are in a slice of commissary carrot cake, here is a table that shows you the approximate values per serving (based on 24 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 433 | 22% |
| Fat | 25 g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 54 mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 287 mg | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g | 17% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
| Sugar | 39 g | – |
| Protein | 5 g | 10% |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions About Commissary Carrot Cake
How do I store commissary carrot cake?
You can store commissary carrot cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Can I make commissary carrot cake gluten-free?
You can make commissary carrot cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure to check the labels of the other ingredients, such as baking soda, vanilla extract, and cream cheese, to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I make commissary carrot cake vegan?
You can make commissary carrot cake vegan by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs, vegan butter instead of regular butter, and vegan cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, and almond milk or soy milk instead of water for the frosting.
Can I make commissary carrot cake sugar-free?
You can make commissary carrot cake sugar-free by using a natural sweetener, such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, instead of granulated sugar and powdered sugar. You can also use unsweetened pineapple instead of sweetened pineapple, and omit the nuts if you prefer.
Can I make commissary carrot cake keto-friendly?
You can make commissary carrot cake keto-friendly by using almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour, and using a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or xylitol, instead of granulated sugar and powdered sugar. You can also use unsweetened pineapple instead of sweetened pineapple, and omit the nuts if you prefer.
Can I make commissary carrot cake dairy-free?
You can make commissary carrot cake dairy-free by using vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of butter, and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, such as cashew cream cheese or tofu cream cheese, instead of regularcream cheese. You can also use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk, instead of water for the frosting.
Can I make commissary carrot cake in a different size pan?
You can make commissary carrot cake in a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time and the amount of batter and frosting accordingly. For example, if you use a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square pan, you may need to bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, and use half of the batter and frosting. If you use a 12×18 inch (30×46 cm) sheet pan, you may need to bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, and use double the batter and frosting.
Can I make commissary carrot cake ahead of time?
You can make commissary carrot cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to serve it. You can either frost the cake before or after storing it, depending on your preference. If you frost the cake before storing it, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If you frost the cake after storing it, let it come to room temperature before spreading the frosting over it.
Can I make commissary carrot cake into cupcakes?
You can make commissary carrot cake into cupcakes by using a muffin tin instead of a baking pan. You will need to line the muffin tin with paper liners or spray it with cooking spray. You will also need to reduce the baking time to 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You can frost the cupcakes with a piping bag or a knife, and decorate them with nuts, coconut flakes, or carrot shreds if you like.
What can I serve with commissary carrot cake?
Commissary carrot cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some extra toppings or accompaniments if you want to make it more special. Here are some ideas:
- Whipped cream: You can whip some heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract and dollop it on top of each slice of cake.
- Ice cream: You can scoop some vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor and serve it alongside the cake.
- Fruit: You can slice some fresh fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, or kiwis, and arrange them on a platter with the cake.
- Nutella: You can drizzle some Nutella or chocolate sauce over the cake for a decadent touch.
- Caramel: You can make some homemade caramel sauce or use store-bought one and pour it over the cake for a gooey treat.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about how to make commissary carrot cake at home. This is one of our favorite recipes, because it is easy, nutritious, versatile, and delicious. We hope you will try it soon and let us know how it turned out. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other articles for more amazing cake recipes. Thank you for reading!