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Cozy Classic Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting and Walnuts Made Easy

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A warm and comforting carrot cake with a moist, spiced crumb, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (neutral oil like canola preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots), fresh and peeled
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts, toasted lightly
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, toasted walnuts, and optional crushed pineapple.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake on middle rack for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cakes feel springy.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  10. Stir in vanilla extract and optional lemon juice.
  11. Once cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
  12. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  13. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for garnish.
  14. Chill frosting for 15 minutes if too soft before spreading. Refrigerate assembled cake for 1 hour to meld flavors and ease slicing.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for moist texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Toast walnuts for enhanced flavor. Use room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter for smooth batter and frosting. Use toothpick test to check doneness. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Refrigerate cake after frosting for cleaner slices. Variations include vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and spice adjustments.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-classic-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-walnuts-made-easy/