Christmas is a time for sharing, for creating treasured memories with friends and family – what better way to share these moments than over a slice of delicious cake, homemade with love? Our mouth-watering, luscious carrot cake is simple to bake, and a great crowd-pleaser (plus it keeps well too, so unexpected visitors will always have a tasty treat waiting for them).

And let's go!

Preheat the oven to 200 °C and grease a 26cm round baking dish. Grate lemon zest. Peel and grate carrots. Mix the flour and baking powder with sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the sunflower oil, grated carrots, vanilla essence, and lemon zest, and mix thoroughly. Pour the dough into the baking dish and bake for 40 - 50 minutes. Test cake with a skewer – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing. Mix lemon juice, vanilla essence and cream cheese together. Gradually add icing sugar through a sieve. Spread the icing onto the cake, and garnish as desired – we like fresh figs and candied fruits.

This juicy, delectable carrot cake will fill your kitchen with all the warming festive aromas your heart desires, and creates a wonderfully inviting atmosphere in your home. Fill colourful stoneware bowls with nuts, fruit, chocolate, and brew a pot of tea – we recommend Earl Grey – to make Christmas catch ups with loved ones as delicious as can be.