Carrot Walnut Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

4 large eggs

3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)

1 cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted, if desired)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients:

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes:

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.

Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

well combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.

Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Garnish:

If desired, decorate the top with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Serve:

Slice and serve your delicious Carrot Walnut Cake! Enjoy!