"Bake and Release"

Photo credit: Bon Appetit

You may be familiar with the fishing phrase “catch and release.” I subscribe to a slightly different version: “bake and release.” This delightful phrase comes from one of my baking idols, Dorie Greenspan, who I was lucky enough to do an exclusive interview with a few months ago. Much to the chagrin (or delight depending on your perspective) of my family, friends, and colleagues, I give away most of what I bake. Part of the pleasure of baking is seeing the happiness on people’s faces after eating a delicious cookie, crisp biscotti, or slice of luscious coffee cake. Baking is sharing and that’s what I’m going to do with you today. I want you to make this fabulous cake, share it with others, and watch the smiles spread across their faces (and yours!). 

Carrot-Walnut Loaf Cake (Bon Appetit, May 2015) 

Makes one 9x5” loaf. If you only have an 8 x 4 ” pan, simply hold back about 1- ³⁄₄ cups batter for later – it makes a mean waffle! 

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup vegetable oil, plus more 

1  cup plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more 

1  tsp baking powder 

1  tsp ground cinnamon 

1 tsp kosher salt 

1 cup golden raisins 

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 

3 large eggs 

1 cup granulated sugar 

2 tsp vanilla extract 

8 oz carrots, coarsely grated (about 2 cups) 

2 tsp light brown sugar 

DIRECTIONS 

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly oil and flour a 9x5” loaf pan. Whisk baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and 1 cup flour in a small bowl. Toss raisins, walnuts, and remaining 1 tbsp flour in another bowl. 

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat eggs and granulated sugar in medium bowl until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. With mixer running, gradually drizzle in 1 cup oil, then add vanilla. 

Fold in dry ingredients, raisin mixture, and carrots; scrape batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar. 

Bake cake until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, 65-75 minutes. Let cool slightly in pan, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely. 

Do ahead: bake up to 2 days ahead. Store wrapped at room temperature. 

Print recipe.