Carrot Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy and Indulgent Treat

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances warmth, sweetness, and a touch of spice, this Carrot Walnut Cake with luscious cream cheese frosting is exactly what you need. Moist, rich, and packed with flavor, this cake is perfect for celebrations or simply as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

The blend of freshly grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic spices makes every bite a delight. Topped with a smooth and tangy frosting, this cake is bound to become a household favorite.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, make sure you have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups freshly grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust to achieve the right consistency)

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Carrot Walnut Cake

Step 1: Prepping the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts. These ingredients add both texture and flavor while keeping the cake moist.

Step 2: Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing out the tops.
Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to prevent lumps.
Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, smoothing it out evenly.
Place the second layer over the first and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate with extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Carrot Walnut Cake

✅ Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best texture and natural sweetness. Pre-shredded store-bought carrots tend to be drier and won’t yield the same moist results.

✅ Customize Your Cake: Feel free to add in some raisins, shredded coconut, or even crushed pineapple for a unique twist. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture.

✅ Chill Your Frosting If Needed: If the frosting becomes too soft while working with it, pop it in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. This makes it easier to spread without melting.

✅ Cool the Cake Completely: Be patient and let your cake cool entirely before frosting. Warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, ruining the texture and presentation.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

For those curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s an estimate per slice:

Calories: ~420
Carbohydrates: ~54g
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~2g

While this cake is indulgent, the walnuts and carrots provide some fiber and nutrients, making it a satisfying treat when enjoyed in moderation.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This Carrot Walnut Cake is a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a weekend baking project. The combination of moist, spiced cake with the rich and creamy frosting creates an irresistible dessert.

It’s also a sneaky way to get some veggies in while enjoying a sweet treat! Whether you keep it simple or add extra mix-ins for a personal touch, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ready to Bake?

Now that you have all the steps and tips, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this Carrot Walnut Cake is a fun and rewarding recipe to try. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative tweaks you make!

Happy baking!