Savor the rich and moist texture of this classic Carrot Cake, enhanced with the delightful crunch of walnuts and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon. This cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a decadent cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Each ingredient is carefully balanced to create a cake that's not only flavorful but also visually appealing, topped with a smooth and creamy frosting that's dotted with extra walnuts for an added textural contrast.
Why You'll Love This
This Carrot Cake stands out for its moistness and depth of flavor, courtesy of freshly grated carrots and a generous helping of cinnamon. The addition of walnuts introduces a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the cake, while the cream cheese frosting provides a rich and creamy finish that melts in your mouth. This cake is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that will delight any dessert aficionado.
Perfect Occasion
Ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering, this Carrot Cake is sure to impress. It’s also perfect for casual coffee breaks or as a special dessert after a family meal. Its comforting flavors make it suitable for both formal and informal settings, and it’s always a welcome addition to holiday dessert tables.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the cake's appearance, consider piping the cream cheese frosting with a decorative tip and sprinkling the top with crushed walnuts. For a seasonal touch, garnish with edible flowers or carrot curls in the spring, or dust with a little extra cinnamon during the autumn months to highlight its spicy notes.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 1+1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sunflower oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 2 medium carrots, finely grated
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Frosting:
- 250 grams cream cheese (drained of any liquid)
- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Carrots and Walnuts:
- Peel and finely grate the carrots. Squeeze out any excess juice if they are very wet.
- Roughly chop the walnuts.
- Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until frothy and lightened in color.
- Add milk and oil and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and vanilla into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a baking pan.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the cake is cool.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
Enjoy this delightful Carrot Cake, a timeless dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the rich creaminess of cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to brighten your day.