A moist and flavorful carrot cake with crunchy walnuts, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for decoration, optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using).
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan(s) for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
4. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- If desired, decorate with extra chopped walnuts.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Toasted walnuts add a deeper, richer flavor. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
- You can add crushed pineapple (drained well) to the batter for added moisture and sweetness.
- If you would like to have a layered cake, divide the frosting evenly between the two layers.
- Refrigerate the cake after frosting to allow the frosting to set.
- For a more rustic look, leave the sides of the cake unfrosted.
Enjoy your delicious Carrot Walnut Cake!