Momma Told Me: National #CarrotCakeDay- Carrot Cake Truffles Recipe

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National #CarrotCakeDay- Carrot Cake Truffles Recipe

National Carrot Cake Day is February 3rd- Make these Carrot Cake Truffles and convert even the biggest chocolate cake fans to carrot!
Momma Told Me: Let them eat cake!

When polled, people worldwide agree that Carrot Cake is a favorite flavor- It ranks 3rd, behind 'Chocolate' and 'Vanilla,' a full 4 spots above Red Velvet and 6 above German Chocolate. But what, really, is the fascination with a cake chocked full of a vegetable? Zucchini Cake exists, but it's widely regarded much more as a bread or loaf, than a dessert. One might argue carrot cake is a favorite because people feel they are enjoying a 'healthier' treat- which is true in a sense. It's believed carrot cake was first make in medieval times during sugar shortages as carrots were found a suitable sweetener. But modern carrot cakes, at least the sort ordered at mass grocery retailers and main stream bakeries, are actually loaded with extra sugars- particularly the frosting.
Maybe it's the texture? You can hide a whole lot in a good carrot cake and have your guests be none-the wiser. In fact, ingredients such as raisins, coconuts, and shredded carrots help this cake keep it's wonderful moisture throughout many recipe variations. And, while I consider Carrot more of a Spice Cake and make mine on the low sugar end, I am constantly surprised by the number of people who clamor for a slice when I bring one of these cakes by. I have NEVER left a social event with a slice, or even some generous sized crumbs, of carrot cake on my serving dish- and I honestly can't say that about ANY other cake recipe, no matter how fancy.
Why? It's an easy cake to eat- it satisfies a sweet tooth craving without going over the top. As delicious as mud pie cakes and black raspberry truffle cakes are they are quite rich and only a small portion can be consumed before guilt and feelings of over indulgence kick in. I also prefer to serve my homemade frosting on the side- a great carrot cake doesn't need frosting at all, it is moist and perfectly sweet on it's own. Most importantly, your average carrot cake fan is NOT a huge sweet eater, and likely prefers to determine the amount of frosting they inhale themselves. This reminds me to try my hand at carrot cake cinnamon buns sometime, my frosting recipe would make a delicious icing!
But all of this is to say that today, February 3rd, is National Carrot Cake Day! I'm not sure why so many of these 'National Days' seem to be so off balance with the natural season of the topic. It would seem more fitting that this would fall in March, or more towards Spring at least- but the Groundhog has emerged from his hole, and I suspect the National Holiday Calendar is quite full- so I'll take the excuse to enjoy my favorite recipe in a while new twist.
So, today, I'm sharing Carrot Cake Truffles. They're more like carrot cake balls- but the word 'truffle' demands a bit of respect, so we'll go with that. The recipe is simple- you can take your favorite boxed carrot cake mix (for that I recommend Duncan Hines Supreme) and substitute it for my Carrot Cake Base- or prepare the recipe as it is. Essentially you're going to add a few extra texture and moistening ingredients to your usual carrot cake, bake it up, smash it into some fresh cream cheese frosting, roll it into balls, freeze, and dip in tempered chocolate. Hopefully your chocolate tempering goes better than mine- as this particular afternoon my chocolate didn't want to cooperate.
National Carrot Cake Day is February 3rd- Make these Carrot Cake Truffles and convert even the biggest chocolate cake fans to carrot!
I like to double my cake portion of this recipe because the 'truffles' are very rich in condensed form and not everyone who enjoys carrot cake wants such a sweet bite- besides, I made these yesterday with a full SHEET of cake, and I don't have a slice left to show for it. That's how big a deal carrot cake is in my circles! So, since we're on the topic of cake, why don't you dish what your favorite cake is!

What Daughter Says: Carrot Cake may not be 'better for you' but it's definitely a good enough excuse to enjoy a slice now and then!


National Carrot Cake Day is February 3rd- Make these Carrot Cake Truffles and convert even the biggest chocolate cake fans to carrot!
Carrot Cake Truffles
***Click here for printable Carrot Cake Truffles recipe
Ingredients:

Cake From scratch:
(Can be substituted with boxed carrot cake mix)

++2 C Granulated Sugar
++1 1/2 C Vegetable Oil
  ++2 C Flour
++4 Eggs
 ++ 2 TSP Ground Cinnamon
++1 TSP Nutmeg
++  1 TSP Salt
++2 TSP Baking Soda
  2 C Raw Shredded Carrots
1 C Diced Pecans 
1/2 C Shredded Coconut
Cake From Box:
  ++1 Box Carrot Cake Mix
++1/4 C Vegetable Oil
++1/3 C Light Sour Cream
++3 Eggs
++1 TSP Vanilla Extract
1 C Shredded Carrots
1 C Diced Pecans
1/2 C Shredded Coconut

Frosting:

8oz Cream Cheese
1 TBS Lemon Juice
4 1/2 C Powdered Sugar


24 OZ Vanilla/White Chocolate Candy Coating

Directions:
 Preheat Oven to 350F

1. Depending on whether you are preparing your cake with a boxed base or from scratch add the (+) ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until combined. Stir in remaining ingredients and beat on low speed until evenly incorporated.

2. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9"x13" pan and bake for 40-50 MINs, or until a toothpick inserted int he center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool to room temperature.

3. Beat cream cheese, lemon juice, and powdered sugar on medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer until free of lumps. Increase speed to high and beat an additional 2 minutes.

4. Remove cooled cake from pan and crumble in a large mixing bowl. Add prepared frosting and combine until mixture is will blended. Portion and roll balls of cake mixture equal to about 1 TBS and place on a parchment paper lines cookie sheet. Place in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or overnight.

5. In a double broiler, or following the package's instructions, melt your chocolate. Add coconut oil as needed to help thin the chocolate and even the consistency for dipping. Using a spoon lower a frozen truffle into the warm chocolate mixture. Turn the ball with the spoon once, then gently lift and allow ball to drop onto a prepared cookie sheet. Chill dipped truffles and serve with a pecan garnish or carrot icing flourish.

20 comments:

  1. Sounds absolutely amazing. I've never tried it in truffle form before but I love carrot cake!

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  2. They are so cute! I do enjoy carrot cake but my favorite cake is German chocolate. I don't make it at home 'cause the hubby doesn't like coconut. Chocolate can be so temper-mental. Hahahahahaha

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  3. Do you have any idea how long it has been since I had a carrot cake? I know you are really making me crave it - you sure know how to make it look delish!

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  4. Holy cow! I love carrot cake and truffles...how have I never thought about combining the two! These would make the perfect Valentine's Treat!

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  5. I think there is a day now for everything out there. I will say national carrot cake day is a good day to celebrate it. ^ Cake is delicious so we may have to bake it just because today is National Carrot Cake Day.

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  6. Those look delicious! And what the what? There's a National Carrot Cake Day? That's the yummiest day of the year, IMO.

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  7. I adore a good carrot cake. I never think to make it, even though I know most of the store bought ones are not that good. Guess I should try making this soon.

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  8. Those carrot cake truffles look amazing. I love, love, love carrot cake and have never thought of making them into balls like that. Thanks for the recipe.

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  9. Oh gosh, these look delicious! The little carrots on top are adorable! I love a good carrot cake.

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  10. Wow these looks amazing! My kids love carrot cake, these are the perfect size for them!

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  11. These look so good!! My son loves carrot cakes these are perfect size for him to pop in his mouth!

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  12. I love carrot cake and these look so good! I would say my favorite cake is Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

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  13. I'm totally on board for ANYTHING carrot cake! Your truffles looks amazing. I like that you have the recipe easy to make 2 ways also. My absolute favorite cake though is a chocolate cherry cake that my Grandma makes for me on my birthday. ;)

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  14. These are the cutest almost too cute to eat! Not to mention that carrot cake is so good! - Sarah, Must Have Mom

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  15. This is a fantastic idea. I love carrot cake. I will have to try making these this weekend.

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  16. We LOVE carrot cake in our home so these would totally "fly". I love how adorable you made them too which is awesome for Easter!

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  17. I went to heaven and came back! Carrot cake is my favorite dessert! Those truffles are such a great idera!

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  18. I love carrot cake. This looks divine! I must try your recipe.

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  19. Your truffles look moist and delicious! I can't wait to try making these myself. I also love the goodies you can hide in carrot cake.

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  20. These look like a tasty bite of heaven! And pretty easy to make as well.

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