Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts (Printable)
Moist cake featuring grated carrots, walnuts, warm spices, and creamy frosting, ideal for festive occasions.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 g)
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
09 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
11 - 4 large eggs
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
13 - 3 cups grated carrots (300 g), about 4 medium carrots
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts (100 g)
15 - 1/2 cup raisins (80 g), optional
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
16 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
18 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (240 g)
19 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt
→ For Decoration
21 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (50 g)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
07 - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, spread half the frosting over one layer. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides.
11 - Decorate with chopped walnuts around the edges or as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cream cheese frosting transforms this from an everyday cake into something that makes people pause after their first bite
- The walnuts get toasted and fragrant in the oven, creating these hidden pockets of crunch that surprise everyone
- This is one of those rare cakes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for Easter prep
02 -
- Completely cool your cakes before frosting, or the cream cheese will slide right off the sides
- Grating your own carrots instead of buying pre-shredded ones makes a noticeable difference in moisture
- The cake layers freeze beautifully if wrapped tightly, so you can make them days ahead
03 -
- Press a paper towel into the walnuts before decorating to absorb any excess oil that might make your frosting look greasy
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting to bridge the flavors between cake and topping