Best Easy Pastel de Zanahoria Mexicano Recipe

Mexican carrot cake with cinnamon and pecans has a moist, spiced flavor. This family-friendly dessert is a sweet, naturally flavored, comforting treat for celebrations.

Cook 75 min Difficulty NORMAL 350 kcal
#vegetarian #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Carrots, finely grated 2 cups
  • All-purpose flour 2 cups
  • Pecans, chopped 1 cup
  • Eggs 3 pieces
  • Canola oil 0.75 cup
  • Granulated sugar 1 cup
  • Brown sugar, packed 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Ground cinnamon 2 tsp
  • Baking powder 2 tsp
  • Baking soda 0.5 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Vanilla extract 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 45 g 51%
Protein 5 g 6%
Fat 17 g 43%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan, then line the base with parchment for easy removal.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy, then mix in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually whisk in canola oil, ensuring the mixture is fully combined.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients gently to distribute leaveners evenly.

  4. 4

    Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in batches, using a spatula and low mixing speed to avoid overworking. Once mostly combined, stir in the grated carrots and most of the chopped pecans (reserve a few for topping).

  5. 5

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to release air pockets. Bake in the center rack for 38–42 minutes, checking with a toothpick at 38 minutes—if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a rack. Top with reserved pecans before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Mexican carrot cake recipe?
The core ingredient is finely grated carrots, which give the cake its moist, tender crumb and naturally sweet flavor. Pecans add a classic nutty crunch found in Pastel de Zanahoria Mexicano, while cinnamon brings out the signature spiced aroma.
Q. What’s the most important tip for baking this cake to moist perfection?
Do not overbake—start checking at 38 minutes with a toothpick. The cake should be set but still moist inside. Grated carrots release moisture, so proper baking time ensures a soft, not dry, crumb.
Q. How do I avoid dense or gummy texture in this carrot cake?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense and chewy. Also, evenly distribute the carrots and pecans for the best crumb.
Q. What is the calorie and nutrition breakdown per serving?
Each 120g serving contains about 350 kcal, with 45g carbohydrates (51%), 5g protein (6%), and 17g fat (43%). This makes it a balanced, moderate-calorie dessert option for celebrations.
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