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Carrot and walnut cake is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the crunch of walnuts, all enveloped in a moist and flavorful cake. Topped with a rich and creamy cheese frosting, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. The blend of spices like cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the cake, making it a perfect choice for both casual family gatherings and special celebrations. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of creating a homemade carrot and walnut cake that is sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s get baking!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

140 grams sugar
150 grams white flour
150 grams grated carrots (finely grated)

100 grams liquid oil (vegetable or canola oil)
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

For the Cheese Frosting:

30 grams butter, softened
70 grams powdered sugar

100 grams cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preparing the Cake:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 20×20 cm baking pan.
Grate the Carrots: Finely grate 150 grams of carrots and set aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 140 grams of sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together 150 grams of white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
Incorporate Carrots and Oil: Fold in the grated carrots and 100 grams of liquid oil until well combined.

Prepare Walnuts: Toss the chopped walnuts with a spoonful of the mixed dry ingredients (to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake).
Combine All Ingredients: Add the coated walnuts to the cake batter, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cheese Frosting:

Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat 30 grams of softened butter and 100 grams of softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 70 grams of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Optional Coloring: If desired, divide the frosting and add food coloring to create different colors for decoration.

Assembling the Cake:

Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Decorate: Use colored frosting to decorate the cake as desired. You can use a piping bag for more intricate designs.

Preparation Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A1: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it on the day you plan to serve it.

Q2: How should I store leftovers? A2: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour? A3: Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser.

Q4: What if I don’t have walnuts? A4: You can use other nuts like pecans or almonds, or omit them altogether if you prefer.

Q5: Can I freeze the cake? A5: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

This delicious homemade carrot and walnut cake with cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that is sure to become a family favorite. The moist, spiced cake combined with the rich, creamy frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this cake is a great way to bring a touch of homemade goodness to your table. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this wonderful treat!