Carrot Walnut Cake

Here’s a Carrot Walnut Cake recipe that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! The walnuts add a nice crunch, and the cake is complemented by a delicious cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, if preferred)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (optional, but helps with moisture)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture and sweetness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, applesauce, and crushed pineapple (if using). The batter will be thick.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. Continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Optional: Garnish the top of the cake with extra chopped walnuts or even some shredded coconut for extra flavor and decoration.

Enjoy!

This cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. The combination of the rich, spiced cake with the tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible!