Classic Walnut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

DESCRIPTION

This classic carrot cake is moist and flavorful and is loaded with crunchy California walnuts. A fluffy cream cheese frosting is the perfect finish.

Total Time
1 Hr, 10 Mins
Serves
12
Serving Size
1/12th of cake
Meal
Dessert
Course
Desserts

Total Time

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
50 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr, 10 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
730 cal
Total Fat
37 g
Saturated Fat
9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
10 g
Monounsaturated Fat
15.9 g
Cholesterol
95 mg
Sodium
390 mg
Carbohydrates
96 g
Dietary Fiber
2 g
Total Sugars
76 g
Protein
7 g
Vitamin D
0 mcg
Calcium
100 mg
Iron
2 mg
Potassium
250 mg

Ingredients

  • 1 C Vegetable oil

  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

  • 4 Eggs

  • 1 1/2 C Granulated sugar

  • 1/2 C Brown sugar

  • 2 C Flour

  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder

  • 1 tsp Cinnamon

  • 3/4 tsp Baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp Nutmeg

  • 1/2 tsp Salt

  • 1 C California walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped or broken

  • 1 lb. Carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/3 C Butter, at room temperature

  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

  • 1 (8-oz.) Cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 4 C Powdered sugar

  • Optional garnish: Chopped California walnuts

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with nonstick spray and coat lightly with flour; tap out excess flour.

  2. To prepare cake, beat oil, extract and eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer until well blended, Add sugars and beat until smooth.

  3. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. Add to egg mixture beating until combined. Fold in walnuts and carrots.

  4. Spread equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Place on a rack in the center of the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place pans on a rack to cool.

  5. Loosen the edges with a thin spatula and remove cakes from pans.

  6. To prepare frosting, beat butter, extract and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat again until light and fluffy.

  7. Place one cake layer on a decorative plate and spread with about 1/2 of the frosting. Top with the second layer and the remaining frosting. Garnish with additional walnuts, if desired.

     

    Decorating tip: The frosting recipe as provided is for the top and middle of the cake.  Recipe may be doubled if you prefer to frost the full cake.