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.

Camille – Italian Half-Dome Carrot Cakes

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

  1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. I clean and chop the carrots, then blend them with orange juice and oil until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, I combine the carrot mixture with eggs, sugar, almond flour, orange zest, extract (if using), and salt.
  4. I stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just incorporated.
  5. I pour the batter into a silicone half-dome mold, filling each dome almost to the top. A muffin tin works well too.
  6. I bake for around 22 minutes, just until the centers are set but still soft.
  7. 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
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Camille – Italian Half-Dome Carrot Cakes

Camille – Italian Half-Dome Carrot Cakes

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blend carrots with orange juice and oil until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine carrot mixture with eggs, sugar, almond flour, orange zest, extract (if using), and salt.
  4. Stir in all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into a silicone half-dome mold (or muffin tin), filling each nearly full.
  6. Bake for 22 minutes or until centers are just set.
  7. 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.

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