Carrot Walnut Cake
Carrot Walnut Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with crunchy toasted walnuts. This cake is moist, fluffy, and topped with creamy frosting, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just looking to enjoy a sweet slice with your coffee, this cake is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy ingredients into a delightful dessert. Carrots provide moisture and sweetness without needing too much sugar, while walnuts add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Plus, the cream cheese frosting enhances the cake’s rich flavor. It’s a wonderful treat that feels indulgent but also has some wholesome elements.
How to Make Carrot Walnut Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted for added flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing them.
- (Optional) To prepare the cream cheese frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the cream cheese frosting.
How to Serve Carrot Walnut Cake
Carrot Walnut Cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it into generous pieces and enjoy it plain or with a dollop of additional cream cheese frosting. It’s also lovely with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great addition to any gathering or casual afternoon snack.
How to Store Carrot Walnut Cake
To keep your Carrot Walnut Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Carrot Walnut Cake
- Make sure to finely grate the carrots for even mixing and moisture.
- Toasting the walnuts brings out their flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variation
You can customize your Carrot Walnut Cake by adding other ingredients like raisins or pineapple for added sweetness and texture. You can also replace walnuts with pecans if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. You can frost it the day you plan to serve it.
2. How can I make it healthier?
You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use less oil. For a healthier frosting, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
