Carrot Cake With Raisins And Orange Zest

Carrot Cake With Raisins And Orange Zest 

I have always enjoyed using seasonal fruits in my cakes. The Orange Cake recipe that I had shared with you last year is a huge hit in my family. I wanted to make another simple orange cake before the orange season ended. Of course, this year the orange season just doesn't seem to be getting over. Malta oranges are still available in some places. But I admit they do not have the tangy taste that is so typical of them.  But imagine my joy at discovering this carrot cake recipe which used not just orange juice but also the zest. If you've seen my previous posts you will realize that I like to use almost the entire fruit or vegetable to obtain maximum nutritional benefits. The skin and the layer just below the skin, the pith and seeds are loaded with nutrients and is usually the most nutritious bit. 

And of course, I don't have to keep reminding you that I replace refined flour and sugar with wholewheat flour or any healthy flour and powdered jaggery. Coconut sugar is another option although a slightly expensive one. All the ingredients used in my dishes are healthy and wholesome. One can be assured that they are eating healthy. That's the biggest advantage of cooking at home. So here we go with the preparation of the cake

Ingredients

Wholewheat flour – 1 cup

Custard powder (vanilla) – 2 tbsp

Egg – 2

Jaggery powder – 1 cup

Baking powder - 1 tsp

Baking soda – ½ tsp

Orange zest – 2 tbsp

Carrot (grated) – ¾ cup

Orange juice – 2 tbsp

Coconut oil – ¼ cup

Salt – ¼ tsp

Cinnamon powder – ¼ tsp
Raisins - 1/4 cup

Milk – ¼ cup (add accordingly to adjust consistency of batter)

Method

Mix dry ingredients well

Beat the eggs
Mix orange juice and beat again
Add oil and blend well

Add the dry mix to it gradually using cut and fold method

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C

Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes

Enjoy this as a healthy snack with your cup of tea or coffee or just any time with the goodness of carrots, oranges and jaggery.

Note: Refrigerate leftovers especially in this heat. It tends to go bad after a day.

Orange Zest

Orange zest is the brightly coloured outer part of the peel. It contains the essential oils responsible for the orange fragrance and flavor. Orange peel also includes the zest, so it can provide the same orange flavor that you get from the zest; however, it also includes the white pith. The pith can be bitter. Orange zest provides the flavor without any risk of bitterness from the pith.

Health Benefits Of Orange Zest

Lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol

Has anti-cancer effects

Contains considerable amounts of calcium, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, folate and other B vitamins

Contains dietary fiber

Health Benefits of Carrots

Antioxidant rich
Fibre rich

Health Benefits of Jaggery

Excellent source of iron

Cleanses the liver

Prevents premenstrual syndrome

Has antioxidants - zinc and selenium which boost immunity