Carrot Walnut Cake

Here’s a delicious Carrot Walnut Cake recipe for you! It’s moist, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch from the walnuts.

Carrot Walnut Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup vegetable oil (or you can use melted coconut oil)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized carrots)
1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted if preferred)

For the cream cheese frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3-4 cups powdered sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prep pans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the dry mix:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Mix the wet ingredients:

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and slightly pale, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Add the grated carrots:

Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed in the batter.

5. Combine dry and wet ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding it in gently until fully incorporated (don’t overmix).

6. Add the walnuts:

Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly dispersed in the batter.

7. Bake the cake:

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

8. Make the cream cheese frosting:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.

9. Frost the cake:

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter.
Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer, then place the second layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

10. Garnish (optional):

You can decorate the top of the cake with extra chopped walnuts or a few shredded carrots for a beautiful finish.

Enjoy your Carrot Walnut Cake!

Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat. Would you like any tips on customizing this recipe? You could add raisins or even pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.