When Maille asked me try out one of their new mustard themed recipes, little did I expect this would be in a sweet recipe – even less so, that the mustard would be in included in a carrot cake. Actually, it ended up being a carrot, cranberry and orange Christmas cake which I decided to make as my alternative Christmas cake this year.
Maille were interested to see what twists I could add to their recipe for a “Zesty Carrot Cake”, so as well as adding in the Maille honey mustard to the mix, I also included dried cranberries, cranberry compote (sandwiched in the centre of the cake), coconut and ginger as well as finishing the cake off with a vanilla cream cheese frosting and a little orange zest. The honey mustard adds a warm background flavour rather than a kick of mustard heat.
With minimalistic cake style decoration, I added a sprinkling of dried cranberries and a snow-like dusting of coconut but feel free to glam up this cake in any style that suits you. It makes a welcome alternative to the traditional fruit laden cakes of old.
As a Maille mustard fan, I have been using their classic Dijon for years in my French vinaigrette and their wholegrain mustard in my potato & dill salad but it was my first experience of tasting their honey mustard. Its sweet notes allow it to be used in so many ways.
I love it as a marinade for sausages and chicken drumsticks. It also makes a great addition to a rich cheesy sauce and I love adding it to slow cooked beef in beer – you could also add a big dollop to your Coronation turkey this year!
If you are looking for alternative Christmas cake inspiration this year then here are some other excellent ideas for you:
Speculoos & mascarpone pancake cake – Kavey Eats
Chocolate & orange fruit cake – Supper in the Suburbs
Gingerbread bundt cake – Celery & Cupcakes
Caramel & biscuit cake – Greedy Gourmet
Figgy almond & whisky fruit cake – Tin & Thyme
Pumpkin fruit cake – Fab Food 4 All
Visit maille.com for their zesty carrot cake recipe and much more festive inspiration including recipes, gourmet mustard flavours and gifts. The core range of delicious Dijon Originale, Wholegrain and Honey Dijon Mustards is available for purchase at most major retailers.
You can also keep up to date with their latest recipes over on Twitter @MailleUK.
Sponsored post in association with Maille.
Oh what an intriguing idea, I’m not sure I’d ever have thought to add mustard to carrot cake. How did you like it?
Good – It’s a background flavour which works 🙂
Wow, mustard in a cake? Sounds wacky, but I”m sure it worked beautifully, will have to try that next time I make a carrot cake. Beautiful christmassy feel to this Laura!
I know Ceri, give it a try!
This is such a lovely festive cake, I love the sound of the cranberry compote through the middle. I bet the mustard adds a new depth to the flavour of the cake as well. Yum!
It’s a good talking point Isabella!
What a gorgeous looking cake and I would never have expected to find mustard in there either! We are huge Maille fans and my fridge always has a pot of Dijon mustard in there! Thanks for linking to my Pumpkin Fruit Cake-)
It’s good to have a few uses for the mustards we all have!
Wow I’m so intrigued by the honey mustard in this – sounds bizarre, but like it might work really well! Sounds amazing on its own as well – love your idea of adding it to a cheesy sauce.
It’s a new one for me too!