Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5–6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper. Peel and finely grate your carrots using a box grater or food processor. Chop your walnuts into small, uniform pieces. Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Mixing the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Finally, fold in the grated carrots and the chopped walnuts.
- Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the center of the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes before transferring the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frosting and Assembly: While the cakes cool, prepare the 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, beating on low speed until incorporated, then high speed until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then stack the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes