Her Love Language: Holiday Edition No. 1

A Sweet Christmas... Carrot?

Hi everyone, I’m so excited to kick off the first recipe for Her Love Language: Holiday Edition! This series is all about celebrating the warmth, love, and joy that the holiday season brings. Each recipe is a piece of my heart, filled with memories and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Every week, I’ll be sharing a holiday-themed dish that brings back cherished memories and celebrates the season in the most delicious way.

This first recipe is extra special, not just because it’s incredibly tasty, but because it comes with a funny little story. But before we dive into the story, can I just say how important it is to take some time to talk with your parents or grandparents? Sitting down to listen to their stories can bring back so many forgotten memories—not just for them but for you too. It’s amazing how much history lives in these conversations and how they can spark moments of, “Oh, I completely forgot about that!” These chats are such a gift, especially during the holidays when we all come together to share love, laughter, and a little nostalgia.

Now, let me tell you a little story before we dive into the carrot cake recipe. It turns out that my brain has been playing tricks on me for years when it comes to this recipe. For as long as I can remember, I’ve called this “Tia Pandora's cake." Tia Pandora, as we lovingly call her, was a dear friend of the family. So, I was convinced it was Tia Pandora’s recipe. As it turns out, I was completely wrong.

Earlier today, I was talking to my mom on the phone to make sure I was getting the story right, and she dropped the plot twist of the decade. This was never Tia Pandora’s Cake at all! The recipe originally came from Tia Luiza, a dear family friend who passed it on to my mom over 20 years ago. My mom used to make this cake at home and would gift it to friends, including Tia Pandora. Little me assumed that if we were calling it Tia Pandora’s Cake, then she must have made it and given it to us.

So, here I am, laughing at myself and finally setting the record straight: this has always been Tia Luiza’s Carrot Cake. It’s not just about the cake itself but also about the stories, the connections, and even the funny little misunderstandings that come with it. Now that you know the story behind this beloved cake, let’s get into the recipe!

This is Tia Luiza’s Carrot Cake—a treat that’s been passed down through generations, filled with love, memories, and just the right amount of sweetness. Tia Luiza passed away a few years ago, but she is never truly gone. Now that I know the story behind this cake, I will be reminded of her love and warmth every time I bake it. Her spirit lives on in the memories we shared and in the bond we continue to have with her children. This cake serves as a beautiful reminder of her lasting presence in our hearts. Whether you're baking it for a special occasion or just because this cake brings the warmth of family and tradition into every bite, ready to try it out? Here’s how you make it:

Tia Luiza's Carrot Cake:

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs (or 5 eggs if making a bigger batch like I am)

• 1 cup demerara sugar (or any sugar of your choice)

• 1 cup sunflower oil (you can also use coconut oil or corn oil; sunflower oil doesn’t affect the taste of the cake)

• 3 medium-sized chopped carrots

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to help mask the egg smell)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more, depending on preference)

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1 cup pecans

• 1 cup white raisins

• 1 cup black raisins

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

  
  

For the topping:

• 1 cup cream cheese

• 1/2 cup refined sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)

   
   

2. Prepare the Cake:

   > Beat the eggs in a blender for about 3 minutes (if you'd like a bigger batch, you can add more eggs).

   > Add the sugar to the blender and continue beating.

   > Add the oil to the mixture and blend again.

   > Add the chopped carrots and vanilla extract, and blend until smooth.

   
   

3. Mix the dry ingredients:

   > Transfer the mixture to a bowl. It will look a little runny, but trust the process.

   

   > Gradually add the flour, mixing until well combined.

   

   > Crush the walnuts and pecans in a ziploc bag until they're crushed enough (not finely), then add them to the mixture.

   

   > Add the baking powder and mix everything thoroughly.

   

   
   

4. Bake the cake:

   > Since I made a bigger batch of cake, I ended up separating the mixture into two baking pans. The silicone pan has a length of almost 24 cm and a width of approximately 11 cm, and the other one has approximately a length of 25 cm and a width of 11 cm as well.

   > Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

   

   Cake batter goes into the oven

   > To check if the cake is ready, insert a knife or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.

   
   

5. Cool Down:

   > Let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan, placed on a wire rack or any surface that allows airflow.

   > After 15 minutes, use a knife to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan.

   > Flip the cake onto the wire rack and leave the pans on top for 5 more minutes.

   > After 5 minutes, remove the pans, then flip the cakes onto their other side and let them cool for an additional 5 minutes.

Topping Instructions:

6. While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping: mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract (you can do this manually or use an electric mixer).

   

   Combining the ingredients

7. Spread the topping evenly over the cake.

Spreading the topping on the cake

Optional Garnish:

8. If you'd like, you can garnish with crushed walnuts or pecans on top for extra decoration.

Tia Luiza’s Carrot Cake

And there you have it—Tia Luiza’s Carrot Cake, a dessert wrapped in family history, holiday cheer, and a dash of humour from my memory mix-up. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine over the years.

Whether you're baking this for a family gathering, as a thoughtful gift, or just for yourself (because, let’s be honest, we all deserve a slice of happiness), this cake is sure to spread love and warmth with every bite.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creations by tagging @her.amore.language on Instagram or using the hashtag #HerLoveLanguage. Your photos, stories, and holiday memories mean the world to me.

Until next week’s holiday recipe, happy baking!

From her kitchen, with love ♡