Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts (Printable)

A moist carrot cake with walnuts and creamy frosting, rich with warm spices and vanilla.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
07 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Vegetables & Nuts

13 - 2½ cups finely grated carrots
14 - 1 cup walnuts, chopped

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

15 - 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
16 - ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
17 - 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
10 - Spread frosting layer on one cake, top with second layer, then frost top and sides. Decorate with extra walnuts if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cream cheese frosting is so tangy and luxurious that people have been known to eat it straight from the bowl
  • This cake somehow gets more moist and flavorful the next day, making it perfect for making ahead
  • The combination of toasted walnuts and warm spices feels like a hug in dessert form
02 -
  • Completely cool your cakes before frosting or the cream cheese will melt into a sad, runny mess
  • Room temperature ingredients for the frosting are non negotiable for that smooth, velvety texture
  • Grating your own carrots instead of buying pre grated makes a huge difference in moisture and flavor
03 -
  • Use the fine side of your box grater for carrots that almost melt into the cake batter
  • Press a paper towel lightly over the frosted cake to remove any excess frosting crumbs for a professional look

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