Decadent Brazilian Carrot Cake with Creamy Chocolate & Carrot Frosting

The Brazilian carrot cake recipe is unlike any traditional carrot cake you may have tried before. Known in Brazil as Bolo de Cenoura, this dessert is famous for its vibrant orange color, ultra-moist texture, and rich chocolate glaze poured generously over the top.

Unlike American carrot cake, which often includes spices, nuts, and cream cheese frosting, bolo de cenoura keeps things beautifully simple. The carrots are blended directly into the batter, creating a smooth, naturally sweet base that pairs perfectly with a glossy chocolate topping.

This moist carrot cake with chocolate frosting is a beloved staple in Brazilian households—served at birthdays, afternoon coffee breaks, and family gatherings. If you’re searching for an easy Brazilian cake that feels both comforting and indulgent, this recipe is the perfect choice.

---

What Makes Brazilian Carrot Cake Different?

Brazilian carrot cake stands apart for three main reasons:

1. Blended carrots instead of shredded carrots
2. No heavy spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
3. Chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese frosting

The result is a cake that is lighter in flavor yet incredibly moist and tender. The chocolate glaze, traditionally made with cocoa powder, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, creates a fudge-like topping that soaks slightly into the cake for irresistible texture.

---

Ingredients

Cake Batter

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Creamy Chocolate Glaze

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup whole milk

---

Why Blending the Carrots Works

Instead of grating carrots, this recipe blends them with oil and eggs into a smooth puree. This technique ensures:

• Even moisture distribution
• Vibrant orange color
• No visible carrot shreds
• A silky, uniform crumb

The oil also plays an essential role, keeping the cake soft for days without drying out.

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or round cake pan.

2. Blend Wet Ingredients

In a blender, combine chopped carrots, vegetable oil, and eggs. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Add Sugar

Add sugar to the blender and pulse briefly until combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the blended carrot mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold until fully combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Slightly

Allow cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes while preparing the glaze.

---

Preparing the Creamy Chocolate Glaze

8. Cook the Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk. Stir continuously for 5–8 minutes until thickened and glossy.

9. Pour Over Cake

While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top. Let it settle and slightly absorb into the cake.

10. Cool Completely

Allow cake to cool fully before slicing. The glaze will set into a soft, fudgy topping.

---

Texture and Flavor Profile

This chocolate glazed carrot cake offers:

• Ultra-moist interior
• Light sweetness from carrots
• Deep cocoa richness from glaze
• Soft yet structured crumb
• Fudge-like chocolate topping

The flavor is balanced—not overly sweet, yet indulgent enough for celebrations.

---

Tips for Perfect Results

Use Fresh Carrots

Fresh carrots provide better color and moisture than pre-packaged ones.

Blend Thoroughly

The carrot mixture must be completely smooth for the signature Brazilian texture.

Don’t Skip the Glaze

The chocolate topping is essential—it defines bolo de cenoura.

Pour Glaze Warm

Applying glaze while both cake and topping are warm allows slight absorption for added moisture.

---

Variations

Layer Cake Version

Divide batter into two round pans and add chocolate glaze between layers.

Chocolate Chips

Fold ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.

Coconut Twist

Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for subtle tropical flavor.

Mini Cupcakes

Bake in muffin tins for 18–22 minutes for individual servings.

---

Serving Suggestions

Brazilian carrot cake is traditionally served:

• With afternoon coffee
• At children’s birthday parties
• During family gatherings
• As a simple weekday dessert

Pair it with:

• Espresso
• Iced coffee
• Fresh fruit
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

---

Cultural Significance

In Brazil, bolo de cenoura is considered a comfort dessert. It’s one of the first cakes children learn to bake with their parents. The vibrant orange color symbolizes warmth and happiness, while the chocolate glaze represents celebration and indulgence.

Unlike heavily decorated cakes, this dessert embraces simplicity. It’s approachable, affordable, and deeply nostalgic for many Brazilian families.

---

Storage Tips

• Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.

The oil-based batter helps retain moisture even after refrigeration.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce sugar by ¼ cup without significantly affecting texture.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Oil is traditional and provides superior moisture. Butter will slightly change texture.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing or insufficient blending of carrots may cause density.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

---

Why This Brazilian Carrot Cake Recipe Works

This easy Brazilian cake balances moisture, sweetness, and chocolate richness perfectly. The blending method ensures smooth consistency, while the cocoa glaze provides contrast and indulgence.

It’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and modern—simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests.

If you’ve never tried moist carrot cake with chocolate frosting in this Brazilian style, this is the perfect introduction.

---

Final Thoughts

This Brazilian carrot cake recipe brings together vibrant carrots and rich chocolate in a way that feels comforting, elegant, and unforgettable. The smooth texture and glossy glaze make it stand out from traditional carrot cakes, offering something both familiar and completely new.

Once you taste the fudgy chocolate topping melting into the tender carrot crumb, you’ll understand why bolo de cenoura is one of Brazil’s most beloved desserts.