Condensed milk hack transforms classic carrot cake

Carrot cake is known for its moisture, which makes it more challenging to master than classic baked goods like a classic sponge cake or oil-based cake. When first attempting a carrot cake, choosing a simple recipe without a long, complicated list of ingredients is best. The surprise and interesting addition will be condensed milk from a can, which is well-known from homemade caramel cream preparations used to layer wafers, among others.

The viral recipe on social media uses condensed milk instead of eggs and oil. In the proportion where 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk corresponds to one egg, you can arrange the other ingredients and bake a cake that has the right texture. There's no need to add sugar since the recipe relies on the sugar contained in the condensed milk to achieve sweetness. Additionally, it will give the cake a delicious, milky taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour,
• 1 teaspoon baking powder,
• 2 carrots (about 10 oz),
• 1 can of condensed milk,
• 3.5 oz walnuts.

For the frosting:

• 1/4 cup of softened butter,
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted),
• 9 oz cream cheese,
• 1/3 cup lemon juice.

Preparation of the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides.
2. Peel the carrots and grate them directly onto one half of a clean cloth. Fold the cloth and gently squeeze out the excess moisture, then transfer the carrot to a bowl.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and condensed milk, and then mix everything with a wooden spoon to form the batter.
4. Add chopped walnuts, if using, and you can reserve some for decorating the frosting.
5. Transfer the batter to the lined pan, ensuring the walnuts are evenly distributed in the batter. Place the cake in the oven for about 50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out dry.
6. After baking, remove the cake from the oven and leave it to cool down.

Preparation of the frosting (optional):

1. Beat the cream cheese in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add the softened butter and beat for 30 seconds to a minute until the ingredients combine and become fluffy.
3. Add lemon juice and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the ingredients are combined.
4. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting on top and sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts.

This recipe is an excellent way to prepare a sweet treat from scratch without needing to buy additional ingredients or making a mess in the kitchen. Thanks to its simplicity and quick preparation, carrot cake with condensed milk is an ideal choice for any occasion.