Carrot Walnut Cake!

A Carrot Walnut Cake is a perfect blend of moist, spiced carrot cake with a little crunch from the walnuts, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Here’s a delicious recipe for you to try:

Carrot Walnut Cake Recipe

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, but adds great texture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth and well combined. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
4. Add the carrots and dry ingredients:
   Stir in the grated carrots and then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Add the walnuts and coconut:
   Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and shredded coconut (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Bake the cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the cream cheese frosting:
   While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
8. Frost the cake:
   Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
9. Garnish:
   Garnish with additional chopped walnuts on top of the cake or around the edges for a decorative touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve your delicious carrot walnut cake! Enjoy the moist cake, the crunch of the walnuts, and the creamy frosting.

This cake is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dessert to enjoy with family and friends. Let me know how it turns out, or if you want any adjustments to the recipe!