12 inch carrot cake...

[Freaking0ut]

I’m making my husbands birthday cake for a big party we are having. He really likes carrot cake, it’s his favourite. I have a massive 12 inch square cake tin... would a carrot cake cope with this? Or is it going to crumble?

I’m a fairly competent home baker but there is a lot riding on this... so any hints and tips would be very welcome. There’s a reasonable chance I’ll be raiding the M&S cake aisle instead but I really want to have a go at making this cake myself first

I think it will be fine but when I’ve needed to do big cakes before, I’ve done two and then iced or done the topping to attach them together. You wouldn’t be able to tell if you so that with a carrot cake.

By the way your husband has good taste in cakes! I hope he has a enjoyable birthday.

Husband ... big party... 12 inch ... ...riding ...you have a massive 12” cake tin ... ah,me... what I miss about married life.

Lol at Barry. I read the title and thought it was a cake made specifically from 12 inch carrots. I’ve never seen one that size. Ooh er missis...!

😂 I did briefly wonder whether I should put the words ‘12 inch’ and ‘carrot’ in the same title!

Make the layers separately and use a baking band (can make your own if you don't want to buy one). I've just made a wedding cake with a 9 inch carrot cake layer. The 12 inch layer was lemon Madeira.

I used this recipe:
amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2012/mar/15/how-to-cook-perfect-carrot-cake

Which wasn't too sweet, with lemon buttercream instead of cream cheese as it has to last a week and it's been very warm!

To answer your question, it didn't crumble at all. If you have time to make a practice layer that might be helpful!! I have 2 of each tin so I can make 2 layers at once, but I do make a lot of cakes!

Also, it might be quicker and less stressful to make two 9 inch cakes. But it you have m&s back up, then go for it!

Costco makes a really delicious carrot cake.

@fizzyfizz thanks very much for that. What is a baking band and what does it do?!

@steff13 I have heard from quite a few people about how amazing Costco cakes are. Sadly for me I don’t think I am eligible to shop there 😭

A baking band a strip of material that you soak and wrap around the tin before you put it in the oven. Used for large cakes (probably 10inch and above) to stop the outside cooking too fast and gives a much flatter cake. I use them for the first time for my recent wedding cake and they were great!

And Costco cakes are ok but you can't beat home make / I like baking though!

It'll be fine, especially if you use a wet towel around the outside of the tin and/or a cake nail in the middle. This will distribute the heat better for an even bake.

I’ve just ordered a baking band! Practically professional now

The baking nails on Amazon are advertised as being for decorating flowers. I’m not sure how I would use it in the actual baking of the cake?

I have an idea ,make the cake ,send it to me,and I'll let you know how it was.

I've had a terrible time trying to use baking nails - I wouldn't bother!

@saffy1234

I may have to do a trial run this week, will have to do the full 12 inches obvs to check it works!

You poke it through the baking parchment and sit it on the bottom of the tin. But the bands will work fine