A moist and flavorful carrot walnut cake, 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
- 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
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins
- 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
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 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 combined.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with half of the cream cheese frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the frosting for garnish.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the delicious carrot walnut cake. Enjoy!