Beetroot cake – a seemingly unusual combination, but trust me, it’s a match made in baking heaven! This stunning dessert boasts a gorgeous reddish-purple hue and a surprisingly delicate, earthy sweetness that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You Should Give Beetroot Cake a Try
Beyond its captivating appearance, beetroot cake offers a unique flavor profile that’s both earthy and sweet. The beetroot adds a subtle sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and complexity. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! Beetroot is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cooked and pureed beetroot (about 2 medium beets)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beetroot Cake Batter
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatulas
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Let’s Get Baking!
1. Preparing the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. To prevent sticking, line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.
2. Combining the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Add the beetroot puree to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cooling and Frosting
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Frosting Beetroot Cake
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cake layers with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Beetroot Cake
- Roasting vs. Boiling Beets: Roasting the beets intensifies their sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, boiling is a good alternative.
- Don’t Be Afraid of the Color: The vibrant color of the beetroot might seem intimidating, but it bakes into a beautiful reddish-brown hue.
- Cream Cheese Frosting is Key: The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the beetroot cake.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Beetroot Cake FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked beets?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked beets are a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before pureeing.
Q: Can I freeze beetroot cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese frosting?
A: While cream cheese frosting is the classic pairing, you can use other frostings like vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or even a simple glaze.
Decorated Beetroot Cake
A Final Word
This beetroot cake recipe is a delicious and unexpected treat that is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that is as delicious as it is beautiful!
