If you’re a fan of traditional carrot cake, wait till you try it with a luxurious South African upgrade. Amarula Carrot Cake blends the warm spices of classic carrot cake with the smooth, fruity richness of Amarula Cream Liqueur.Whether you’re proudly South African or just curious about carrot cake recipes from around the globe, this Amarula cake is the perfect showstopper for your next celebration or afternoon tea.
Why try this Amarula cake recipe
Carrot cake has always been one a beloved dessert worldwide. Moist, fragrant, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that graces countless tables at birthdays, holidays, and weekend gatherings. But when you add Amarula to the mix, you take things to a whole new level. The marula fruit, native to Southern Africa, gives Amarula its signature flavour, blending creamy caramel notes with a subtle hint of exotic fruit. Using Amarula Cream in your baking not only enhances the flavour but pays delicious tribute to South African heritage.
Whether you’re searching for the best South African carrot cake recipe or want to brighten up your Amarula liqueur recipes collection, this dessert is a must-try.
Ingredients for the Amarula Carrot Cake
This Amarula cake recipe uses simple pantry staples with a few decadent additions:
For the cake
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sunflower oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Â 1/4 cup Amarula Cream Liqueur
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup pecan nuts, roughly chopped (optional)
For the Amarula Cream Cheese Frosting
- 250g cream cheese (softened)
- 50g unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons Amarula Cream Liqueur
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
How to bake Amarula carrot cake
1. Prep the oven and pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 8-inch round cake tins (or one large bundt tin if you like) with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Beat eggs and sugar
Using a stand mixer or handheld beater, whisk the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until light and slightly thickened. Stir in the Amarula Cream Liqueur, which adds a dreamy layer of flavour.
4. Combine everything
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, careful not to overmix. Stir in the grated carrots and nuts (if using) until just combined.
5. Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean from the center. Cool in the tins for 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Amarula cream cheese frosting
For an indulgent finish to your Amarula carrot cake, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Pour in the Amarula Cream and add the orange zest if you’d like a fresh citrus twist. Continue beating until all ingredients are incorporated and the frosting is luxuriously smooth.
7. Assemble your masterpiece
If you’ve made two rounds, sandwich them together with a thick layer of frosting. Cover the top (and sides, if you wish) with the remaining Amarula cream cheese frosting. Decorate with more chopped pecans, carrot curls, or a little extra orange zest.
Serving & Storing Tips
- This Amarula carrot cake is best enjoyed slightly chilled, as the frosting becomes even creamier with time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- It also freezes beautifully (without frosting), so you can bake ahead for special occasions.
Why Amarula makes all the difference
The addition of Amarula transforms a classic carrot cake recipe south africa style into something truly special. Amarula liqueur adds depth, subtle fruitiness, and a silky creaminess that you simply don’t get from standard carrot cake recipes.
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