Carrot Walnut Cake is a delightful fusion of moist, spiced cake with the crunch of walnuts, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. This cake is rich with the natural sweetness of carrots, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of walnuts adds a nutty depth, making each bite satisfying. Whether served plain or topped with cream cheese frosting, this cake is a comforting treat that works well for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
- Fold in Carrots and Walnuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts. This step ensures the batter remains light and airy while evenly distributing the ingredients.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before removing them.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and continue beating until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread ¾ cup of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top or pipe decorative frosting. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.
This Carrot Walnut Cake is a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and crunch. Whether enjoyed plain or with frosting, it’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Happy baking! 🍰