A classic carrot cake includes carrots, spices and nuts, and has cream cheese frosting. Home cooks, bakers and pastry chefs have developed their own versions over the years. But all we care about is who offers the best.
Our readers had no problem nominating more than 40 places for our Taste Test. On a recent Friday, three testers volunteered their time to try this popular dessert from the three most-nominated spots in Hampton Roads.
The cakes earned points in five categories: appearance/aroma, cake, frosting, overall taste and value. Testers’ scores were added and averaged to arrive at the final score.
Here’s what they liked. Comments have been lightly edited.
___
Winner
The carrot cake from Danny’s Deli Restaurant. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Danny’s Deli Restaurant
10838 Warwick Blvd., Newport News; 757-595-0252
Kimberly Rose makes three cakes (carrot, coconut and hummingbird) at the sandwich shop, a six-minute drive from Christopher Newport University. She has worked at the deli since her parents, Bill and Debbie Vaccarelli, bought the business in 1990.
Price: $7.50 slice, $60 whole
Score: 85
What they said:
“The moisture level is on point and holds the carrots and walnuts in place.” — Sharon
“Spice is fantastic.” — Bill
“Thick, delicious cream cheese frosting with a slight citrus tang.” — Lara
___
Second place
From Eastside Pizzeria, Portsmouth. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Eastside Pizzeria & Ristorante By Alaina
5630 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth; eastsidepizzava.com; 757-488-3113
This family-style restaurant is a three-minute drive from Portsmouth City Park. It features Italian favorites such as lasagna, pizza and calzones. The staff said the carrot cake is outsourced and shipped in.
Price: $11.99 slice, $105 whole
Score: 63
What they said:
“The cake was great to look at due to the height and nuts decorated on the outside, but the flavor of the cake didn’t impress.” — Sharon
“Subtle taste. Good color and presentation. The nuts need work.” — Bill
“The pineapple seemed to make the cake soggy.” — Lara
___
Third place
From Robin Simmons Bakery, Virginia Beach. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Robin Simmons Bakery
1830 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach; robinsimmonsbakery.com; 757-275-7575
This bakery offers more than 20 cake flavors. Customers can get them by the slice, but the selection rotates. Other goodies include scones, cookies, quiches and pies. Chesapeake native Robin Simmons also owns 17 Hands Coffee next door.
Prices: $7.48 slice, whole start at $36 (6-inch)
Score: 58
What they said:
“The cake was not moist or very sweet.” — Sharon
“Could’ve used more frosting, but it was tasty.” — Bill
“The toasted nuts on the sides did help balance the overly sweet frosting.” — Lara
___
Carrot cake taste tester Sharon Chantland. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Sharon Chantland, 65, Norfolk
Occupation: Retired human resources manager
Favorite carrot cake: The King Arthur Baking recipe I’ve been making for 15 years.
On carrot cake: I find this foolproof recipe has a perfect balance of carrot and spice flavors. The cake is moist and the cream cheese icing is not overly sweet, which is a critical element for me.
___
Carrot cake taste tester Bill Croneberger. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Bill Croneberger, 64, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Navy retiree
Nominated: Mermaid Winery
On carrot cake: Carrot cake has been my favorite cake for quite some time. I find that it is almost always flavorful, moist, and the perfect end to any meal (even breakfast) with a glass of prosecco, a cup of good coffee, or even a nice dark cabernet sauvignon or shiraz.
___
Carrot cake taste tester Lara Morris. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)
Lara Morris, 47, Virginia Beach
Occupation: Registered nurse
Nominated: I’m originally from Florida and grew up on Publix carrot cake.
On carrot cake: My mom worked at Publix and regularly brought their carrot bar cake home. In high school, it was frequently my after-school snack and I always tried to make sure my slice had the thickest amount of its delicious cream cheese icing, even if that took some creative slicing effort on my part.
___
Next up: Bagel
We’re looking ahead to fall for the best bagel — any flavor.
Nominate your favorites by contacting us with the names of the Hampton Roads bakeries or eateries and the cities where they are located.
If you’d like to be a tester, tell us why and include your name, age, city of residence, phone number and an email address, if you have one. Must be 18 and older to participate.
Nominations and applications will be accepted through May 10. Send your nominations and applications to taste.test@pilotonline.com.
___
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com
