Brazilian carrot cake, or “Bolo de Cenoura,” is a beloved dessert in Brazil, vastly different from its American counterpart. While the traditional carrot cake in the United States is often packed with shredded carrots, cinnamon, nuts, and a tangy cream cheese frosting, the Brazilian version takes a simpler, more refined approach.
Blended carrots create a smooth batter that results in a light, moist cake with a stunning golden hue. Instead of a spice-forward flavor, this cake lets the natural sweetness of the carrots shine, balanced by a rich chocolate brigadeiro glaze. The result? A fluffy, slightly sweet cake topped with a decadent, fudgy layer of chocolate that complements every bite.
If you’re looking for a unique take on carrot cake that is easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious, this Brazilian carrot cake is the perfect recipe to try.
Why Brazilian Carrot Cake is Special
1. A Smooth, Velvety Texture
Unlike American carrot cake, which has a chunkier texture due to grated carrots and mix-ins, Brazilian carrot cake is completely smooth because the carrots are blended into the batter. This technique allows the natural flavors to infuse into the cake while keeping the crumb incredibly tender.
2. Naturally Sweet and Moist
Carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excessive sugar or oil. This cake is not overly sweet, making it a versatile treat for dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
3. The Iconic Brigadeiro Glaze
Instead of a traditional frosting, this cake is topped with brigadeiro, a Brazilian chocolate fudge sauce made with condensed milk and butter. The glaze is thick, glossy, and slightly chewy once it sets, creating a rich contrast to the airy cake beneath it.
4. A Simple Yet Stunning Cake
With its bright yellow crumb and deep chocolate topping, Brazilian carrot cake looks as good as it tastes. Its beautiful color and shiny chocolate drizzle make it a standout dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients: A Sweet Brazilian Classic
For the Cake:
- Peeled Carrots (cut into chunks) – 300g (10.6 ounces)
- Large Eggs – 3
- Sugar – 1¾ cups
- Vegetable Oil – 1 cup
- Pinch of Salt
- Flour (sifted) – 2 cups
- Baking Powder (sifted) – 1 tablespoon
For the Brigadeiro Frosting:
- Bittersweet Chocolate (chopped) – 3 ounces
- Sweet Condensed Milk – 1 (14-ounce) can
- Unsalted Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream – ½ cup
- Chocolate Sprinkles (optional)
Directions: The Road to Chocolate-Coated Perfection
- Blend & Prep: Blend carrots, eggs, sugar, oil, and salt until smooth. Mix with sifted flour and baking powder.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into a greased bundt pan and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes. Let cool before removing from the pan.
- Make the Brigadeiro Frosting: Cook chocolate, condensed milk, and butter until thickened. Stir in heavy cream for a pourable consistency.
- Assemble & Decorate: Drizzle the warm brigadeiro over the cake and sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles. Let set before serving.
Nutritional Info: A Slice of Brazilian Indulgence
(Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
Tips for Making the Perfect Brazilian Carrot Cake
Blend the Carrots Until Completely Smooth
For the best texture, ensure that the carrots are fully blended with the wet ingredients before mixing with the flour. Any remaining carrot chunks can lead to a denser cake.
Measure Your Carrots Precisely
Too many carrots can make the cake heavy, while too few can result in a dry texture. Weighing your carrots ensures accuracy and consistency.
Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sifting flour and baking powder helps incorporate air, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake. It also prevents lumps that could affect the cake’s texture.
Gently Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Once the dry ingredients are added, mix gently and minimally to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
Bake Until Just Set
The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, so use a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
Let the Cake Cool Before Adding the Brigadeiro Glaze
If the cake is too warm, the glaze will seep into the cake instead of sitting on top. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring the chocolate over.
Make the Brigadeiro Thick But Pourable
Brigadeiro glaze should be rich and velvety but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little heavy cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer until it thickens.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Coconut Brigadeiro Topping
For a twist on the classic, replace the chocolate brigadeiro with a white coconut brigadeiro made from condensed milk, butter, and shredded coconut. This creates a tropical, creamy topping that pairs beautifully with the carrot cake.
2. Orange-Scented Carrot Cake
Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the batter for a citrusy brightness that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
3. Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the chocolate glaze before it sets for a crunchy contrast to the smooth cake.
4. Layered Brazilian Carrot Cake
Bake the cake in two layers and add a middle filling of brigadeiro or a thin layer of dulce de leche for an extra indulgent treat.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, and the results will be just as soft and delicious.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve Brazilian Carrot Cake
- This cake is perfect warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for an authentic Brazilian experience.
- Dust the top with chocolate sprinkles for a festive touch.
How to Store Brazilian Carrot Cake
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If keeping longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but let it sit at room temperature before serving to soften.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and add the brigadeiro glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Brazilian carrot cake different from American carrot cake?
Brazilian carrot cake has a smoother texture and does not contain spices, nuts, or raisins. Instead of cream cheese frosting, it is topped with a chocolate brigadeiro glaze.
2. Can I make this cake without a blender?
Yes, but the carrots must be grated finely and mixed thoroughly to avoid chunks. A blender or food processor is recommended for the best texture.
3. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Vegetable oil is preferred because it keeps the cake moist and light. Butter can be used, but the cake may be slightly denser.
4. Why did my cake turn out dense?
A dense cake may result from adding too many carrots, overmixing the batter, or using expired baking powder. Weigh the carrots, sift the flour, and mix gently to avoid this issue.
5. Can I make the brigadeiro frosting ahead of time?
Yes! Store brigadeiro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before pouring over the cake.
6. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the glaze?
Yes! While traditional brigadeiro uses bittersweet chocolate, you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter topping or dark chocolate for a richer, slightly bitter contrast.
7. Do I need to use a bundt pan?
No, you can bake this cake in a round, square, or loaf pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
8. Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate for the glaze, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream.
9. What can I serve with Brazilian carrot cake?
This cake pairs well with Brazilian coffee, espresso, or fresh fruit for a balanced dessert.
10. Can I use canned carrots?
Fresh carrots are best for texture and flavor, as canned carrots contain excess moisture that can alter the cake’s consistency.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Brazilian Dessert
Brazilian carrot cake is a simple yet extraordinary treat that proves less is more. With its moist, golden crumb and rich chocolate glaze, this cake is a standout for any occasion—breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Its smooth texture, naturally sweet flavor, and easy preparation make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic Brazilian flavors. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re ready to step outside the usual carrot cake and indulge in a Brazilian classic, this recipe is the perfect place to start!