Bobby Flay Carrot Cake

Category: Decadent Desserts

Chef Bobby Flay's carrot cake recipe featuring fresh carrots, three types of ginger, and homemade marshmallow cream cheese frosting. Takes about 95 minutes total.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:30:59 GMT
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A masterful blend of fresh carrots, aromatic spices, and crystallized ginger creates Bobby Flay's signature carrot cake, crowned with an innovative marshmallow-cream cheese frosting. This elevated take on a classic combines traditional ingredients with gourmet touches like freshly grated ginger and muscovado sugar to create layers of complex flavor in every bite.

After making this cake multiple times, I've discovered that the combination of fresh and crystallized ginger creates an incredible depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional carrot cakes.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Fresh carrots: Grated on small holes for ideal texture.
  • Quality crystallized ginger: Provides bursts of flavor.
  • Muscovado sugar: Adds rich caramel notes.
  • Fresh ginger: Brings bright, spicy warmth.
  • Premium cream cheese: Ensures perfect frosting.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Carrot Preparation:
Grate fresh carrots finely for best texture.
Pineapple Processing:
Chop finely and drain thoroughly.
Wet Mixture:
Combine eggs, oil, and butter until smooth.
Spice Blending:
Mix dry ingredients for even distribution.
Gentle Folding:
Incorporate mix-ins carefully.
Temperature Watch:
Monitor sugar syrup precisely for marshmallow.
Frosting Creation:
Whip until perfectly light and fluffy.
Layer Assembly:
Stack and frost with care.
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The secret to this cake's success lies in the careful balance of fresh and crystallized ginger. Having made it numerous times, I've found that taking extra care with the marshmallow component creates an exceptionally silky frosting.

Perfect Serving Ideas

Present this show-stopping cake on an elevated cake stand adorned with candied carrot ribbons and crystallized ginger pieces. For special occasions, create a dramatic effect by garnishing with toasted pecan halves arranged in a spiral pattern. Serve slices alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Creative Variations

Transform this masterpiece by adding toasted coconut between the layers for tropical flair. Experiment with different nuts - try toasted macadamia nuts or pistachios for unique flavor. Consider creating a spiced caramel drizzle with fresh ginger to enhance the cake's signature flavor profile.

Storage Success

Maintain the cake's perfect texture by storing it in a covered cake dome in the refrigerator for up to five days. The unique marshmallow-cream cheese frosting holds up beautifully, and the flavors actually develop and improve over time. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Temperature Tips

Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor experience. Remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly and the spices to become more pronounced.

Creating Bobby Flay's Carrot Cake has taught me that attention to detail makes all the difference in elevating a classic recipe. The combination of traditional elements with innovative touches like the marshmallow-cream cheese frosting creates something truly spectacular. Whether served at an elegant dinner party or a special family gathering, this cake proves that sometimes reimagining a classic can lead to something even more memorable.

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Close-up Bobby Flay Carrot Cake | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Why three types of ginger?
Fresh, ground, and crystallized ginger each add different flavors - fresh is zippy, ground is warm, and crystallized adds sweet heat.
→ Can I skip the marshmallow fluff?
Yes, you can make traditional cream cheese frosting instead, but the marshmallow adds unique texture and sweetness.
→ What makes this cake so moist?
The combination of oil, butter, crushed pineapple, and freshly grated carrots keeps the cake exceptionally moist.
→ Can I make this in advance?
Yes, the cake layers can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap well and store at room temperature.
→ What is muscovado sugar?
It's an unrefined brown sugar with a rich molasses flavor. Dark brown sugar can be substituted.

Bobby Flay's Famous Carrot Cake

A rich, moist carrot cake with three types of ginger and marshmallow cream cheese frosting. Bobby Flay's signature dessert recipe.

Preparation Time
40 minutes
Cooking Duration
55 minutes
Total Time Required
95 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Made for Pros

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

→ Cake

Contains 01 items 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Contains 02 items 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Contains 03 items 3 large eggs
Contains 04 items 1/2 cup canola oil
Contains 05 items 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Contains 06 items 1 pound carrots, peeled and finely grated (about 3 cups)
Contains 07 items 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
Contains 08 items 2 cups all-purpose flour
Contains 09 items 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
Contains 10 items 1/2 cup brown muscovado sugar
Contains 11 items 2 teaspoons baking soda
Contains 12 items 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Contains 13 items 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Contains 14 items 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Contains 15 items 1 teaspoon salt
Contains 16 items 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, finely diced
Contains 17 items 3/4 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

→ Marshmallow Fluff

Contains 18 items 3 tablespoons water
Contains 19 items 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Contains 20 items 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Contains 21 items 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
Contains 22 items 2 large egg whites
Contains 23 items Pinch salt
Contains 24 items Pinch cream of tartar

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

Contains 25 items 8 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened
Contains 26 items 1 stick unsalted butter, slightly softened
Contains 27 items 1 pound organic powdered sugar, sifted twice
Contains 28 items 2 cups Marshmallow Fluff
Contains 29 items 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, line with parchment.

Step 02

Process pineapple until fine. Beat eggs, add oil, butter, vanilla, carrots, pineapple, and fresh ginger.

Step 03

Whisk flour, sugars, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mix with wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in crystallized ginger and pecans. Divide between pans.

Step 05

Bake 40-55 minutes until golden and done. Cool 15 minutes in pans, then completely on rack.

Important Tips

  1. Use fresh grated carrots for best results
  2. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature
  3. Don't overmix the batter

Essential Tools

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Stand mixer
  • Food processor
  • Box grater

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts (pecans)
  • Contains wheat/gluten

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 485
  • Fat Amount: 24.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65.5 g
  • Protein Amount: 6.8 g