Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is beloved for its moist texture, sweet flavor, and the delightful crunch of walnuts. When paired with cream cheese frosting, it creates a rich and decadent treat that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious carrot cake with walnuts and cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later use.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Add the Carrots, Applesauce, and Pineapple
Stir in the finely grated carrots, applesauce, and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture. The wet ingredients should have a slightly chunky texture due to the grated carrots and pineapple.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
6. Add Walnuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The walnuts will provide a lovely crunch to contrast with the soft cake texture.
7. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. If you’re using a different size pan, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
8. Cool the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important that the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Start on low speed to prevent splattering, and increase to medium-high speed once the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it is fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue beating on medium-high speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla and Salt
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat for another minute to ensure the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer of the cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top and continue frosting the top and sides of the cake. You can create a rustic look by leaving the frosting a bit textured or smooth it out for a cleaner appearance.
5. Decorate (Optional)
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the cake or around the edges for decoration. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the walnut flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the carrot cake to set for about 30 minutes to an hour before slicing, as this allows the frosting to firm up a bit. Serve slices of this moist, flavorful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness, spice, and crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake
- Grate the Carrots Finely: To achieve the perfect texture, finely grate the carrots. Large pieces of carrot can create an uneven texture in the cake.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are key to the flavor of carrot cake, so make sure they’re fresh. Stale spices can affect the cake’s taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Chill the Frosting: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly.
- Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange zest to the cake batter or a splash of fresh orange juice to the frosting.
With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and moist carrot cake filled with the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and texture. The addition of walnuts and cream cheese frosting takes this dessert to the next level, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion.