25 Apr 2025
Cook time 75 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
2 cups carrots
1 cup walnuts
2 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cream cheese
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Carrots and Walnuts: Peel and grate the carrots until you have 2 cups. Chop the walnuts and set both aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure these are well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add Carrots and Walnuts: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed initially and then on medium, until fully blended and smooth.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until well-incorporated.
1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Chill (Optional): For firmer frosting, you can refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Serve: Slice your carrot cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Grate the carrots finely.: For a smoother texture in your carrot cake, make sure to grate the carrots finely. This helps them to blend well with the other ingredients and ensures even cooking.
- Toast the walnuts.: To enhance the flavor of the walnuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients.: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them to blend more easily and creates a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don't overmix the batter.: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
- Chill the frosting.: After preparing the cream cheese frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. It will firm up slightly, making it easier to spread on the cake.
Congratulations, you've successfully made a delightful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting! The moist, flavorful cake combined with the creamy, tangy frosting is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy your homemade creation with friends and family!