Swiss carrot cake

Swiss carrot cake

1 h
Swiss carrot cake is known for its moist crumb, rich flavours, and elegant presentation. It combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the aromatic blend of cinnamon and fresh orange zest. The addition of crunchy walnuts adds texture, while a velvety cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange zest perfectly complements the cake beneath. It is the ideal cake for special occasions or a luxurious everyday treat.
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Instructions

Cake
  • Preheat the oven to 175°C (conventional oven).
  • Beat brown sugar and butter for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each one. Stir orange peel into the mixture.
  • Mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt and fold it into the batter.
  • Peel and grate carrots and fold them into the batter.
  • Coarsely chop the walnuts and fold them into the batter.
  • Spread the batter in a greased springform tin (approx. 24 cm in diameter).
  • Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Let it cool completely – preferably in the fridge until the next day.
Frosting
  • Beat butter, icing sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and airy.
  • Add cream cheese and orange peel and whisk shortly until the frosting is free of lumps. Spread the frosting on the cake.
Decoration
  • Form 6-8 carrots of orange fondant and use a knife to make small grooves in them.
  • Make a small hole in the top of the carrots, form small stems of green fondant, and attach them to the carrots.
  • Store the fondant carrots in an airtight container and lightly press them into the frosting on the cake just before serving.
Enjoy!
Tips

Bake the cake at the recommended temperature and check for doneness towards the end of the baking time. You can insert a toothpick into the centre – if it comes out clean, the cake is done. It is important not to overbake the cake as it can dry it out, so keep an eye on it as it nears completion.

Tips

Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting. This ensures the frosting stays on the cake and maintains its texture without melting. For a smooth frosting, make sure that butter and cream cheese are at room temperature when mixed to avoid lumps.

Tips

If you are not serving it immediately, store the Swiss carrot cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm. Remove it from the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature.

Ingredients

Cake
Brown sugar
200 g
Soft butter or spreadable
200 g
Eggs
3
Unsprayed orange, finely grated zest
1
Wheat flour
200 g
Ground cinnamon
1½ tsp
Baking powder
1½ tsp
Salt
1 tsp
Carrots
250 g
Walnuts
70 g
Frosting
Soft butter
150 g
Icing sugar
170 g
Vanilla sugar
1 tsp
Cream cheese
150 g
Unsprayed orange, finely grated zest
1
Decoration
Green and orange fondant

Make a traditional Rüblitorte with cream cheese frosting

Swiss carrot cake is also known as Rüblitorte and it is a delightful carrot cake known for its rich history and inimitable flavours. Unlike many other carrot cakes, the Rüblitorte boasts a lighter texture and a more nuanced blend of flavours, along with small decorative carrots on top, making it a perfect treat for Easter celebrations. What makes this cake stand out is the natural sweetness of carrots, complemented by the earthy tones of walnuts and the subtle warmth of cinnamon. The addition of cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the texture of the cake, creating a harmonious palate of flavours. If you like carrots in cake, you should check out our carrot cheesecake and carrot cake cupcakes – both perfect for the Easter festivities. For something a bit more decadent and indulging, try our carrot chocolate cake. You can also use carrots in other baked goods, for example, this carrot bread.

A moist carrot cake with orange, walnuts, and cinnamon

The moist crumb is achieved through a careful balance of fresh, grated carrots and a generous amount of butter or spreadable, which also lends a delicate softness that melts in your mouth. The orange zest infuses the batter with a bright, citrusy aroma that provides a refreshing note to complement the sweetness of the carrots. Walnuts add a crunchy contrast to the moist texture and introduce a nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon. This spice not only adds depth to the Swiss carrot cake, but also brings a comforting, homey scent that makes each bite feel like a hug.

A velvety cream cheese frosting with orange

The cream cheese frosting takes this cake from delicious to sublime. The combination of soft, creamy cheese, butter or spreadable, and icing sugar results in a silky-smooth frosting that glides effortlessly over the cake. Not only does it provide a creamy contrast to the moist crumb, but it also brings together all the elements of the Swiss carrot cake. The addition of finely grated orange peel introduces a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the frosting and helps balance the sweetness with just a hint of refreshing citrus.

Decorated with small fondant carrots

The finishing touch on this exquisite cake is the small fondant carrots that adorn its top, adding a whimsical and festive element, which is perfect for Easter. These tiny carrots made from orange and green fondant, are not only a visual delight but also a nod to the main ingredient of the cake. They give the dessert an Easter feel, turning it into a centrepiece that captures the essence of the holiday. These fondant carrots are also a great way to include the kids in the decoration process and make it a fun family activity, allowing them to express their creativity while making memories.

Add your own touch

One way to customise the cake to your liking is by substituting walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts. Almonds offer a milder, slightly sweet taste, while hazelnuts bring a rich, pronounced flavour that can add an interesting twist to the cake. Those who are not too fond of the sweet fondant can easily make the carrots in marzipan instead. The marzipan offers a subtle almond flavour that complements the cake wonderfully and provides a more textured contrast to the creamy frosting and the moist crumb of the cake. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom, that elevate the traditional Swiss carrot cake by adding more depth to the flavour. Nutmeg introduces a warm, spicy sweetness, while ginger offers a zesty kick that complements the citrus and cinnamon notes. Finally, cardamom adds an aromatic sweetness with hints of lemon and mint, adding a fresher feel to the Swiss carrot cake.