Soft, moist, and delicately sweet, these Italian half-dome carrot cakes, known as Camille, are a wholesome treat made with fresh carrots, almond flour, and a touch of orange. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re just as comforting as they are flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these cakes blend simple, nourishing ingredients into something truly special. The carrots and almond flour give them a super soft texture, while orange juice and zest brighten each bite. They’re easy to make, naturally sweet, and ideal for sharing—or keeping all to myself.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 medium carrots (about 6 oz or 175 g, peeled and cleaned)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (140 g) coconut sugar
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 g) baking powder
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- I clean and chop the carrots, then blend them with orange juice and oil until smooth.
- In a large bowl, I combine the carrot mixture with eggs, sugar, almond flour, orange zest, extract (if using), and salt.
- I stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just incorporated.
- I pour the batter into a silicone half-dome mold, filling each dome almost to the top. A muffin tin works well too.
- I bake for around 22 minutes, just until the centers are set but still soft.
- After cooling slightly, I remove the cakes from the mold and dust them with powdered sugar if I want a little extra sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8 cakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: About 32 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: I replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan: I use flax eggs and substitute oil with plant-based yogurt.
- Nut-Free: I swap almond flour for more all-purpose flour.
- Citrus Swap: Lemon juice and zest are great for a sharper flavor.
- Spiced Up: I sometimes add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- I store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To freeze, I wrap each cake and keep them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, I reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour?
Yes, I often use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour when I want a nut-free version.
What if I don’t have a half-dome mold?
No worries—I use a muffin pan when I don’t have the traditional mold, and it works just as well.
How can I keep the cakes moist?
I make sure not to overbake them. Pulling them out when the center is just set keeps them soft.
Can I add extras like nuts or raisins?
Absolutely. I’ve added chopped walnuts and golden raisins, and both give great texture.
Is the orange extract necessary?
Not at all. I skip it sometimes—the fresh orange juice and zest provide plenty of citrus flavor.
Conclusion
These Camille-style carrot cakes are light, tender, and packed with cozy, citrusy goodness. I love how easy they are to make and how beautifully they turn out every time. Whether I’m baking for guests or just for myself, they never disappoint.
Print
Camille – Italian Half-Dome Carrot Cakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and moist Italian half-dome carrot cakes, known as Camille, are a tender and flavorful treat made with fresh carrots, almond flour, and citrusy orange zest. These easy-to-make mini cakes are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Ideal for those seeking naturally sweet, comforting carrot-based desserts.
Ingredients
- 3 medium carrots (about 6 oz or 175 g, peeled and cleaned)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (140 g) coconut sugar
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 g) baking powder
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend carrots with orange juice and oil until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine carrot mixture with eggs, sugar, almond flour, orange zest, extract (if using), and salt.
- Stir in all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Pour batter into a silicone half-dome mold (or muffin tin), filling each nearly full.
- Bake for 22 minutes or until centers are just set.
- Let cool, remove from mold, and optionally dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour for a nut-free version.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- To make it vegan, use flax eggs and plant-based yogurt.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
- Lemon zest and juice can replace orange for a zestier twist.