Layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts

This layered carrot cake features moist, spiced layers made with fresh carrots and is generously frosted with cream cheese. The addition of honeyed walnuts adds a crunchy sweetness, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

10 Dec 2025
Cook time 90 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup milk (1% fat)
2 cups self-raising flour
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
3 carrots
1/2 cup honey
2 cups cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup walnuts
Layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts

This layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist, spiced carrot cake layers, creamy frosting, and the crunch of honeyed walnuts creates a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, olive oil, and milk until well combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Add Carrots:
- Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Honeyed Walnuts:
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey over medium heat until it becomes liquid.
- Add the chopped walnuts and stir to coat them well with the honey.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the walnuts are toasted and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Make Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second layer of the cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
9. Garnish with Honeyed Walnuts:
- Decorate the top of the cake with the honeyed walnuts, ensuring they are evenly spread.
10. Serve:
- Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Slice and enjoy this delightful layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts!

Your layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts is now ready to serve. The beautifully moist cake, combined with the creamy frosting and delightful crunch of honeyed walnuts, is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this dessert with friends and family for a special occasion or just because!

Layered carrot cake with honeyed walnuts FAQ:

How long should I bake the carrot cake?

Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

What should I do if my cake layers are too dry?

If your cake layers turn out dry, ensure you are measuring your flour accurately and are not overmixing the batter. Also, consider reducing the baking time slightly next time or adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter for moisture.

Can I make this cake in advance and how should I store it?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted layers for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for the walnuts in the honeyed topping?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. Ensure that any substitute is also toasted in honey for the best taste.

Is there a gluten-free option for this carrot cake?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the self-raising flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains a leavening agent.

Tips:

- Grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend smoothly into the cake batter.

- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for better mixing and a smoother texture.

- When toasting walnuts, keep an eye on them to prevent burning – they can turn from golden to burnt quickly.

- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition per serving

12 Servings
Calories 500kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 2.82g
Sugar 44g
Fat 36g

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