Ingredients
Carrot Cake
Cream Cheese Frosting
Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your cake will bake evenly.
Step 2
*Peel and grate* the carrots. Add them to a mixing bowl. *Crack the eggs* and add to the bowl along with the sugar, flour, vanilla sugar, vegetable oil, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth batter.
Once combined, fold in the walnuts carefully to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 3
*Grease a baking pan* with butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4
In a clean bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until *smooth and creamy*.
Step 5
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
Decorate with fresh blueberries and additional walnuts as desired for a beautiful finish.
Step 6
Slice and serve this delightful carrot cake at your next gathering. It's a treat everyone will love!
Servings
Imagine slicing into a rich, moist slice of carrot cake, each bite taking you on a journey of sweet and spicy flavors that mingle perfectly. Serve this beauty with a dollop of whipped cream, or go full indulgent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Your taste buds will throw a party! 🎉
For those cozy fall evenings, a slice paired with a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced latte will make you feel like you're by the fireplace wrapped in a warm blanket. ☕️✨
Hosting a party? Why not cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them with toothpicks for a fuss-free yet classy dessert finger food. Add a garnish of fresh blueberries and walnuts to elevate the presentation with a burst of color and texture. 🍽️
Equipment
Preheat to 180°C (356°F) for perfect baking results. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent heat.
A large bowl is essential to hold all ingredients while combining them effortlessly.
Ideal for folding in delicate ingredients like walnuts without deflating the batter.
Use this to finely shred the carrots for optimal texture in your cake.
Ensure the pan is well-greased for easy cake removal post-baking.
Variations
🌾 Gluten-Free Version: Replace the wheat flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This simple swap keeps your cake wonderfully moist and flavorful!
🍃 Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Opt for a plant-based milk of your choice to maintain the moistness in the batter. This vegan carrot cake will melt hearts with its taste! 😋
Faq
- What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can easily swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or skip the nuts altogether for an equally delicious cake!
- How do I know when my cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. 🍰
- Can I make this cake without a food processor?
Yes! Simply grate the carrots manually and mix the ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer.
- How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan generously with butter and place a parchment circle at the bottom for easy cake release.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a deeper caramel-like taste, complementing the spices beautifully.
- How far in advance can I prepare the frosting?
You can make the frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until needed.