# What you'll need:
→ Carrot Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 2 1/2 cups grated carrots
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
15 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pavlova
20 - 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
21 - 1 cup superfine sugar
22 - 1 teaspoon white vinegar
23 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
24 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Pavlova Toppings
25 - 1 cup heavy cream
26 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
27 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
28 - 1 cup fresh berries
29 - 1/2 cup sliced kiwi or passion fruit pulp
→ Lemon Tart Crust
30 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
31 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
32 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
33 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
34 - 1 large egg yolk
35 - 2–3 tablespoons ice water
→ Lemon Tart Filling
36 - 1 cup granulated sugar
37 - 3 large eggs
38 - 2 large egg yolks
39 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
40 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
41 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
02 - In a separate large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
03 - Stir dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
04 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
06 - Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides. Decorate for the occasion as desired.
07 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and mark an 8-inch circle. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add superfine sugar, beating to stiff, glossy peaks. Beat in vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla.
08 - Spoon meringue onto the parchment circle, shaping into a nest with raised edges. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off oven and allow to cool inside with the door ajar for 1 hour.
09 - Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10 - Carefully transfer meringue to a serving platter. Top with whipped cream and arrange fresh berries and kiwi or passion fruit.
11 - Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and ice water, mixing until dough just comes together. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.
12 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Prick crust with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake for 10 more minutes until golden. Allow to cool slightly.
13 - In a saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolks. Stir in lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, roughly 5 to 7 minutes.
14 - Remove filling from heat and whisk in cubed unsalted butter until smooth. Pour into baked crust and chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
