Description
A moist and spiced carrot cake with crunchy walnuts, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This classic treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) finely grated carrots
- ¾ cup (100g) chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Incorporate carrots and walnuts: Gently fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread frosting over one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate: Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts or carrot shavings for a finishing touch.
Notes
1️⃣ Do Not Overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense instead of light and moist. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
2️⃣ Use Freshly Grated Carrots – Pre-packaged shredded carrots are too dry. Grating fresh carrots ensures maximum moisture and better flavor in the cake.
3️⃣ Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting – If the cake is even slightly warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and become runny. Always wait until the cake is fully cooled.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min