Description
This Traditional Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced classic with sweet grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, this timeless recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for a light and fluffy texture
- 2 cups grated carrots – the star ingredient for moisture and sweetness
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – balances the spices perfectly
- 1 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake ultra-moist
- 4 large eggs – binds the batter together
- 1 cup chopped walnuts – adds a delightful crunch
- 2 tsp baking powder – ensures a perfect rise
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps with texture
- 1 tsp cinnamon – essential spice for warmth
- ½ tsp nutmeg – enhances the flavor
- ½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth to the flavor
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – the base of the frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – adds richness
- 4 cups powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts until well combined. Blend batter for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide batter evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: traditional carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade carrot cake, spiced carrot cake, walnut carrot cake, classic dessert recipe