This carrot cake is a delightful combination of moist, tender cake infused with the natural sweetness of carrots and the crunch of walnuts. It’s topped with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect amount of tang and richness. The cake is easy to make but feels special enough for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or simply craving a homemade treat. Every bite brings a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture, making it the ultimate comfort dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This carrot cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The natural sweetness and moisture from the carrots make the cake tender and flavorful, while the walnuts add a crunchy contrast. The cake is perfectly spiced, with subtle notes of cinnamon that enhance the warmth of the cake without overpowering it. The cream cheese frosting is light, creamy, and slightly tangy, balancing the sweetness of the cake beautifully. Best of all, this recipe is simple to follow and results in a cake that feels like a labor of love without the effort of one.
The Perfect Occasion for This Cake
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that can be served on almost any occasion. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even as a casual weekend bake. The comforting, homestyle flavors make it great for autumn and winter celebrations, but its light, moist texture ensures it’s just as satisfying during spring and summer. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert after a big meal or as a sweet snack with afternoon tea or coffee, this cake will be a hit at any time of the year.
Decoration Tips
To make this cake look extra special, consider topping it with extra walnuts for a decorative touch. You can either finely chop the walnuts and sprinkle them over the frosting or place whole walnuts on top for a more sophisticated look. If you want to elevate the presentation even more, dust the finished cake with a bit of cinnamon or add some finely grated carrot on top. Another option is to pipe additional cream cheese frosting in decorative swirls or peaks around the edges, creating a beautiful and elegant finish that is perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g grated carrots
- 80g melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 10g baking powder
- 80g chopped walnuts
For the Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100ml heavy cream (33% fat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Slowly pour in the melted butter and mix well to combine. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.
- Make the Frosting: For the frosting, it’s important that both the cream cheese and heavy cream are cold. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar, and beat until smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue whipping until the frosting holds stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out, or get creative with piping techniques for a more decorative look.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top of the frosting, or garnish with a dusting of cinnamon for a warm, rustic finish.
Enjoy this delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting!
