Rich in warming spices, dense and squidgy in the sponge or more fluffy and light, the classic tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting or the clever alternative of blow-torched meringue, these are London’s best carrot cakes.
Carrot cake: Rose Bakery
Similar to a cupcake yet so different, this carrot cake is tall, minimalistic – no swirly frostings – and very grown-up. Pure carrot cake with a good dose of cinnamon, tiny walnut pieces and the smoothest, silkiest blob of cream cheese frosting on top, it’s dense, hearty and not a tad too sweet.
18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG. Open for take-away.
Mini layer carrot cake: Sally Clarke Shop
Two layers of carrot cake – soft and so springy – with a lemony cream cheese on top and in the middle, it’s perfectly portioned for one.
121 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LP or 283 Westbourne Grove,
W11 2QA. Open for take-away.
Carrot and pumpkin cake: Cutter & Squidge
Carrot and pumpkin sponge with creamy vanilla custard, white chocolate pearls, white chocolate domes and a spiced biscuit crumb, this carrot cake has so much more than the usual cream cheese frosting. It’s rich and sweet, soft and sometimes crispy, full on creative – from the naked design to the treats inside.
20 Brewer St, London W1F 0SJ. Currently closed but they deliver cakes across London.
Carrot cake: Guillam Coffee House
Golden and dense on the outside, fluffy within and a swirl of sweet cream cheese frosting on top, this carrot cake is full of cinnamon and crispy, sugar-coated walnuts from the inside out.
24 Gloucester Rd, London SW7 4RB. Open for take-away.
The Ultimate carrot cake: Meringue Girls
Packed with juicy golden raisins, finely chopped pecans and all the warming spices, this is the ultimate carrot cake: dense and squidgy, nutty and so rich, it’s a hefty slice layered with most refreshing lime meringue frosting.
Unit 1 Broadway Market, London E8 4TS. Currently closed but re-opening soon (Saturdays only).
Carrot cake: Flavourtown Bakery
Three layers of golden-brown, subtly spiced carrot cake with crunchy pecan pieces and cream cheese frosting, this slice is so fluffy and moist, sweet and tangy – it’s generous in each layer.
771 Fulham Rd, London SW6 5HA. Open for take-away and delivery.
Carrot cupcake: Lola’s Cupcakes
Fluffy carrot sponge with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting – thick yet still smooth and creamy – plus some finely chopped walnuts to finish, it’s reliable, satisfying and always within close reach.
Multiple locations including refrigerated lockers for pre-ordering online.
Carrot cake: Cake Hole
With frosting and cake in equal amounts, this carrot cake gives you the right ratios in every bite. Soft, not-too-strong carrot sponge with the fluffiest whipped cream cheese, it’s massive yet so light and more-ish.
London markets
