Passover

Aunt Paula's Carrot Ring

by:
December 21, 2016
4.5
11 Ratings
Aunt Paula's Carrot Ring
Photo by James Ransom
  • Makes one Bundt or tube (serves 10 to 12)
Author Notes

In my family, no Passover is complete without this carrot ring. We don’t take our large quantities of shortening lightly and there are typically at least two if not three of these carrot rings on the table. Anytime I’ve tried to explain to someone what a carrot ring was they were baffled until they tried it. Sort of a denser oily-er carrot cake, the carrot ring is the non-leavened solution for anyone who likes to eat dessert while the brisket is still on the table. Though apparently no one knows who Aunt Paula really is, this carrot ring has been on the table at every Passover since I can remember. It’s best served still warm and with a lot of napkins—that full cup of shortening makes for a very (repeat: very) oily piece of bread-like deliciousness.

For Passover: Substitute matzo meal for flour. Sifting is unnecessary. —Annie Plotkin

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups grated carrots
Directions
  1. Cream the shortening with the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and water.
  2. Whisk the flour with cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat at low speed until just blended.
  3. Stir in carrots by hand; place in a greased, 6-cup ring mold. [Editors' note: We used a small tube pan.]
  4. Put in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours and as long as overnight. Bake at 350° F for 1 hour. Let cool in the pan, then flip out and serve.
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5 Reviews

Hollyj
Hollyj March 29, 2021
Our family has been making this for years, both for Passover and other Jewish holidays. The Passover version is 1 cup of cake meal instead
of flour, 2 eggs and omits baking powder and soda. One cup of grated carrots. We bake it in a pan of water (Bain Marie). Foolproof and delish!
 
Pam
Pam March 25, 2021
Hi, I love carrots...Passover is not only no flour but no baking powder or baking soda. This may be yummy but is not good for a Seder due to the ingredients. Can Canola oil or Earth Balance sticks substitute for the shortening?
 
Hollyj
Hollyj March 29, 2021
See my post for the Passover version!
 
Shelley
Shelley January 13, 2017
Glad that someone noticed this recipe contains flour, which is not kosher for Passover, and baking soda which is also controversial. I have been making this recipe for years as a component of our meal before the fast on Yom Kippur. The recipe comes from Joan Nathan's book "Jewish Cooking in America." Over the years I have, at times, made it gluten free with great success and I always modify the recipe to use 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening and 1/2 cup applesauce. My father-in-law and daughter look forward to this recipe every year.
 
Hollyj
Hollyj March 29, 2021
I have added a Passover version. Tried and true and delish!