Brazilian Carrot Cake Recipe

Posted on May 2, 2025

Brazilian Carrot Cake Topped with Chocolate Glaze – Traditional Bolo de Cenoura

If you’ve never tried Brazilian Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura), get ready for a delightful surprise! Unlike the spiced American version, this carrot cake is buttery, moist, and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. The bright orange color comes from blending fresh carrots right into the batter—no grating required! It’s a super simple recipe that comes together in a blender and bakes up beautifully, making it perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike. Whether you’re craving something sweet or want to impress at a brunch, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love Brazilian Carrot Cake

This Brazilian Carrot Cake is everything a dessert should be—quick, delicious, and eye-catching. You’ll love how the blender does all the work, giving you a silky-smooth batter with minimal effort. The cake itself is fluffy, tender, and lightly sweet with a rich, chocolaty glaze that’s poured on while still warm (hello, dreamy!). It’s also a fun twist on a familiar classic, making it a conversation starter at any gathering. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, pantry-friendly, and practically foolproof. One bite, and you’ll see why this cake has a cult following in Brazil!

Ingredients

This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The secret to its vibrant color and smooth texture? Blending the carrots instead of grating them—easy and mess-free!

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 large eggs
1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Glaze:

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

This Brazilian Carrot Cake is as easy as blend, pour, bake, and glaze! Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round or square cake pan.
Blend the wet ingredients: In a blender, add the chopped carrots, eggs, and vegetable oil. Blend until completely smooth (about 1–2 minutes).
Add sugar: Pour in the sugar and blend again for a few more seconds until well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the carrot mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the chocolate glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
Glaze the cake: While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the glaze over the top. Let it set before slicing.

Servings and Timing

This cake is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (no judgment!). It’s great for potlucks, afternoon coffee, or a sweet end to dinner.

Servings: 8–10 generous slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling + Glazing Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic Brazilian treat? Here are some fun and easy ways to customize it:

Tips:

Use fresh carrots for the brightest color and sweetest flavor.
Don’t skip the blending! It gives the cake its signature smooth texture.
Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring so it thickens just enough to sit nicely on top.

Variations:

Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a hint of spice.
Swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting if you prefer a tangy twist.
Make it a layer cake by doubling the recipe and stacking two rounds with extra glaze in between.
Turn it into cupcakes! Just reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage

This cake stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert for parties or casual snacking throughout the week.

How to Store:

Room Temperature: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes! You can use a food processor, or finely grate the carrots and mix everything by hand or with a mixer—but the texture may be a bit more rustic.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s perfectly sweet, but not overly sugary. The chocolate glaze adds an extra hit of sweetness, balancing the lightly sweet carrot base.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to 50% with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. Stick to all-purpose for the fluffiest result.

What type of oil is best?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best. Avoid olive oil, as its flavor may overpower the cake.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two pans, and adjust baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can try it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just note that texture may vary slightly.

Do I have to use the glaze?

Nope! The cake is delicious on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar, but the glaze is a traditional and tasty touch.

Brazilian Carrot Cake is the kind of recipe that wins hearts fast—it’s colorful, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you get a tender, golden cake topped with a rich, shiny chocolate glaze that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this simple yet stunning dessert delivers every time.

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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Brazilian Carrot Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love Brazilian Carrot Cake