This Carrot Walnut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich crunch of walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, it brings together simple ingredients and a delightful texture that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a birthday, or simply a special treat, this cake is sure to impress with its balanced sweetness and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients evenly.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the eggs, and continue mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts. If using pineapple and coconut, fold them in at this stage. The pineapple adds moisture, and the coconut brings a subtle tropical flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- While the cake is cooling, you can prepare your frosting. A simple cream cheese frosting works wonderfully with this cake. Combine 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 cups powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top of the frosting.
- Slice and enjoy this moist, flavorful Carrot Walnut Cake with your family and friends!
Conclusion: This Carrot Walnut Cake is a wonderful dessert that is as delicious as it is simple to make. The rich, spiced flavor of the carrots and cinnamon pairs beautifully with the crunch of walnuts, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish. Whether served as a special treat or part of a holiday meal, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its wholesome ingredients, delightful texture, and rich flavor make it the perfect choice for any occasion.