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Classic Cozy Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender carrot cake with warm spices, crunchy walnut crumb topping, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy occasions and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (6 fl oz / 180ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (about 300g) finely shredded carrots
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts
  • Optional: ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • For the Walnut Crumb Topping:
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Shred the carrots finely using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in shredded carrots and chopped walnuts. If using, fold in crushed pineapple.
  8. Prepare walnut crumb topping by mixing walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
  9. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle walnut crumb topping over the surface.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool cake completely on a wire rack, about 1-2 hours.
  12. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until light and creamy.
  13. Frost the cooled cake evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped walnuts.
  14. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts and serve.

Notes

[‘Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake.’, ‘Finely shred carrots for a moist and tender texture.’, ‘Use room temperature eggs and dairy for smooth blending.’, ‘Toast walnuts lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.’, ‘Chill frosting briefly if too soft before spreading.’, ‘Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application.’, ‘Slice with a hot, wet knife for clean cuts.’, ‘Gluten-free option: substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking blend and add xanthan gum if needed.’, ‘Vegan option: use flax eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and coconut oil instead of butter.’, ‘Optional add-ins: crushed pineapple, raisins, grated apple, or shredded coconut.’, ‘Nut-free option: omit walnuts or substitute with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, walnut crumb, easy carrot cake, cozy dessert, homemade carrot cake, moist carrot cake, classic carrot cake

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/classic-cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-homemade-delight/