Here’s a delicious Carrot Walnut Cake recipe that’s moist, flavorful, and has a lovely crunch from the walnuts. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just a treat to enjoy with family and friends!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for garnish, optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. Add the Carrots and Walnuts:
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven 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 to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
8. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts on top, if desired.
9. Serve:
- Slice and enjoy! This cake is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can add raisins or shredded coconut to the cake batter.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To make the cake in advance, you can wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight before frosting.
Enjoy this Carrot Walnut Cake — it’s the perfect blend of spiced cake, sweet cream cheese frosting, and crunchy walnuts!