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Cozy Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts

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A moist and flavorful carrot cake with warm spices, topped with silky cream cheese frosting and crunchy toasted walnuts. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (330g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Fold in grated carrots and toasted walnuts until batter is thick and moist.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid dust, then stir in vanilla and salt. Beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top or press into sides.
  10. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for a tender crumb. Toast walnuts to enhance flavor. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting. Chill cake before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For vegan, use flax eggs and vegan butter/cream cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, walnuts, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, spiced cake, homemade dessert

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-walnuts-easy-step-by-step-guide/