Carrot Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful carrot walnut cake boasts a rich, moist texture and sweet-spicy flavor, making it a wonderful addition to any dessert table. With grated carrots lending natural sweetness and moisture, the cake is perfectly complemented by the crunchy texture of walnuts. Aromatic spices like cinnamon and a hint of vanilla add depth to the flavor, while the creamy Philadelphia cheese frosting provides a tangy-sweet finishing touch. It's an indulgent treat that balances sweetness with a subtle warmth, perfect for celebrations or simply as a comforting snack. Despite its intricate flavors, the cake is straightforward to prepare, requiring only basic baking skills. Ideal for those who enjoy baking from scratch, this recipe offers a satisfying experience. Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake also makes for a lovely gift when wrapped beautifully. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 360 g flour
• 180 g sugar
• 3 large carrots, finely grated
• 200 ml oil
• 4 eggs
• 100 g walnuts, chopped

Spices and Add-Ins

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
• 1 pinch salt

For the Frosting

• 400 g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 100 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla essence

Preparation Time

• 30 minutes prep
• 50 minutes cook time

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare your cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the oil to the egg mixture and continue beating until thoroughly combined.
4. Gently fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the carrot mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
7. Stir in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they're spread evenly in the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
11. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the Philadelphia cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence until smooth and creamy.
12. Once the cake is cool, carefully slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
13. Spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom half of the cake, then place the top half back on.
14. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it with a spatula for an even finish.
15. Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
16. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
17. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
18. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
19. For a decorative touch, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top before serving.
20. Enjoy your homemade carrot walnut cake as a delightful dessert choice.

Tips

• Substitution: For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with raisins or dried cranberries.
• Freshness: Use freshly grated carrots for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Decoration: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra chopped nuts on top for a decorative touch.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per slice
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 2g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai tea.

Best Places

• The Carrot Cake Club - Famous for its moist and flavorful carrot cakes. Location: 12 Baker Street, London, UK.
• Sweet Tooth Café - Offers a delightful twist with spice-infused carrot cakes. Location: 45 Old Town Road, Toronto, Canada.
• Cake House - Known for its unique walnut and carrot combination. Location: 67 Main Avenue, New York City, USA.
• Baker's Delight - Offers a vegan version that's a crowd favorite. Location: 98 Orchard Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
• Pastry Palace - Renowned for its decadent creamy frosting carrot cake. Location: 34 Kingsway, Sydney, Australia.
• Dessert Haven - Perfect place for innovative carrot cake varieties. Location: 23 Dessert Drive, Paris, France.
• The Sweet Spot - Known for their classic recipe with a modern twist. Location: 40 Gourmet Ave, San Francisco, USA.
• Treat Haven - Offers a uniquely spiced version that is highly popular. Location: 56 Tasting Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Bistro Cake - Perfect place for traditional cakes with a gourmet touch. Location: 29 Bakery Lane, Rome, Italy.
• Dessert Nirvana - Offers a rich, creamy carrot cake with unique additions. Location: 17 Dreamland Road, Tokyo, Japan.