Nova Scotian - Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Tutor Stephanie has been teaching English for 9 years and vocal singing for over 20 years. About 7 years ago, when she became a part-time housewife, she began exploring the art of cooking and baking—learning and perfecting her family’s recipes and sharing them with family, friends, and her students in Japan.

Class Structure

• Introduction (10-15 mins)
  – We’ll review the list of ingredients and utensils, discuss the cultural background of the dishes in Nova Scotia and in relation to Easter.
• Carrot Cake Demonstration (25–30 mins)
  – I will demonstrate and guide everyone through the preparation process step by step
• Cream Cheese Frosting Demonstration (15 mins)
  – I will demonstrate and guide everyone through the preparation process step by step. - the finished product
• Wrap-up & Q&A (5 mins)
  – Take questions at the end but of course questions are welcome throughout

ESL Vocabulary List & Seminar Materials Needed

Seminar Materials Needed

⚫︎ Ingredients for cake and frosting (listed below) Mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, whisk

⚫︎ Ux13” pan or 2 5xU” loaf pans Measuring cups and spoons

⚫︎ Electric Mixer (hand or stand) for frosting Toothpick for doneness test

INGREDIENTS — Cake

⚫︎ 2 large carrots, shredded (extra from original 1 cup)

⚫︎ 1 cup raisins (optional)

⚫︎ 4 Tbsp butter or margarine

⚫︎ ¾ cup granulated sugar (reduced from 1 ½ cups)

⚫︎ 1 tsp nutmeg

⚫︎ 1 tsp ground clove (or substitute allspice)

⚫︎ 1 tsp cinnamon (add a little extra if desired)

⚫︎ 1 ½ cups water

⚫︎ 2 cups all-purpose flour

⚫︎ 1 tsp baking soda

⚫︎ 1 tsp salt

⚫︎ 1 tsp baking powder

⚫︎ ½ cup chopped nuts (optional—mix into cake or use as garnish)

⚫︎ ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional—mix into cake or use as garnish for added moisture and sweetness)

⚫︎ ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional—mix into cake or use as garnish for added moisture and sweetness)

INGREDIENTS — Frosting

⚫︎ 226 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

⚫︎ ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened

⚫︎ ¾ cup powdered sugar (original called for 4 cups; adjust to taste, typical range ¾–1 ¼ cup)

⚫︎ 1 tsp vanilla extract (or more to taste)

⚫︎ ¼ tsp salt

⚫︎ 2 Tbsp Hokkaido condensed milk (optional, adds subtle sweetness and creaminess—helps reduce other sugar)