3 Restaurant Chains With the Best Carrot Cake, According to Chefs
There’s nothing better than lightly spiced layers of cake filled with freshly shredded carrots, nuts and a cream cheese frosting. Carrot cake was my favorite as a kid, and it still ranks high among my favorite desserts. While it’s not for everybody, those of us who are obsessed with the warm, moist cake won’t settle for any recipe–it needs to be stellar. I don’t like wasting calories or money, so to find out where the best spots for carrot cake are, I turned to chefs for their favorite go-to places. Here are the top three picks from culinary pros.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is an obvious choice for cheesecake, but according to Rena Awada, Owner, Head Chef | Healthy Fitness Meals, the casual chain also has a delicious carrot cake. “They have one of the most moist carrot cakes, with perfectly blended spices,” she says. “Their cake is moist, perfectly spiced, and has walnuts and pineapple mixed in.” Chef Rena adds, “They also frost the cake with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, so every bite is perfectly balanced.”
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar is an Ohio legend that’s famous for its satisfying comfort food and desserts like the 24K Carrot Cake that’s filled with pineapple, golden raisins and walnuts topped with white chocolate cream cheese icing. “The slice is giant and the center of attention as soon as it arrives at your table,” says Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks. He explains that the “carrot cake is aromatic with spices and completely moist, but the showstopper? It’s frosting–it’s thick and perfectly balanced
with hints of sweetness and tanginess.”
Ocean Prime
For an indulgent night out, Ocean Prime offers impeccable service and top-notch food. This is a chain you want to save room for dessert. Their Ten Layer Carrot Cake is a showstopper. “It’s perfectly spiced, full of the creamiest icing layers, yes, ten layers,” says Chef Corrie. “Eating this cake feels special in itself,” he says.
What Makes a Standout Carrot Cake
Serving a wow factor carrot cake is more than just looks. Many bakeries make them look so pretty, but texture, taste and moistness also matter. “Having a good carrot cake comes down to finding a good ratio in all aspects of building the dessert,” says Chef Rena. “You want the cake to be moist but structured, with a crumb that is soft and airy but not too dense. The ideal flavor combination has warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and even ginger, all enhanced by the sweetness of the carrots.” She explains, “Flour additions like walnuts, raisins, and crushed pineapple improve the overall cake and moistness without becoming the focus. The cream cheese frosting should be smooth and tangy, and not overly sweet, so that it complements the spiced cake.”