Steamed carrot pudding is a moist cake that is studded with raisins and packed with carrots, potatoes, and warm spices. It is then drizzled (or flooded) with caramel sauce and topped with pure half and half. It is a true delight! Make it for Christmas or Easter and enjoy for months after since it freezes beautifully.
6cupsfirmly packed shredded raw carrotsexcess liquid removed
4cupsfirmly packed shredded raw Idaho russet potatoesexcess liquid removed
5cupsall purpose flour
4teaspoonsbaking soda
4teaspoonsKosher salt
2teaspoonscinnamon
1teaspoonnutmeg
2teaspoonscloves
2cupsraisins
2cupschopped nuts of choiceoptional
Caramel Sauce
1cupheavy whipping cream
1cupbrown sugar
1cupgranulated sugar
1cupbutter
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Half and half or cream for topping
6- 1quartMason jars for steaming
Instructions
For the Carrot Pudding
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer cream together butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in carrots and potatoes. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl sift the: flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Then, slowly add in the dry mixture to the wet a little at a time to ensure even mixing. Continue combining wet and dry ingredients until a uniform batter forms. Stir in raisins and nuts (if desired).
Fill each 1 quart jar (6 total) until half way full with the carrot pudding mixture. Cover with foil and use a rubber band to secure the tops. Place the jars in one or two very large stock pots. Fill each pot with water (without getting the tops of the jars wet) half way to to the top of the jars.
Cover the stock pots with a lid and turn heat on low-medium. Let steam for 2 1/2- 3 hours. Turn off heat and very carefully, with oven mitts, remove the jars from the pots and set on the counter or baking tray to cool about 10 minutes. Carefully take off the tinfoil and seal with the jar container lids.
Make sure you hear a 'pop' to know the containers are sealed. If you are eating them right away you do not need to seal them. Sealed jars of carrot pudding will keep in the freezer for several months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Serve a few heaping spoonfuls of carrot pudding in a bowl warm with a tablespoon of caramel sauce and a drizzle of half and half or heavy cream over the top. Enjoy!
For the Caramel Sauce:
Place all caramel sauce ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a medium sauce pan. Heat pan to medium heat and stir for about 8-10 minutes until a thick caramel sauce starts to form.
Keep stirring the entire time. You will know when the sauce is done if it sticks to the back of a spoon and doesn't run off the edges.
Notes
Since carrot pudding is steamed you actually make it on the stove top in jars that are then sealed. This will keep maximum freshness and provide a super soft and moist pudding.