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.
Ingredients
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1 C Vegetable oil
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
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4 Eggs
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1 1/2 C Granulated sugar
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1/2 C Brown sugar
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2 C Flour
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1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
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1 tsp Cinnamon
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3/4 tsp Baking soda
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1/2 tsp Nutmeg
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1/2 tsp Salt
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1 C California walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped or broken
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1 lb. Carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
Cream Cheese Frosting
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1/3 C Butter, at room temperature
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1 tsp Vanilla extract
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1 (8-oz.) Cream cheese, at room temperature
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4 C Powdered sugar
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Optional garnish: Chopped California walnuts
PREPARATION
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with nonstick spray and coat lightly with flour; tap out excess flour.
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To prepare cake, beat oil, extract and eggs in the bowl of an electric mixer until well blended, Add sugars and beat until smooth.
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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.
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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.
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Loosen the edges with a thin spatula and remove cakes from pans.
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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.
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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.
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