Carrot and Walnut Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (260g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts (reserve some for garnish)
- ½ cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Gradually add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine the mixtures: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add carrots, walnuts, and pineapple: Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and crushed pineapple (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the cake with the reserved chopped walnuts, and chill for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful carrot and walnut cake!
