Ingredients

Dough

1 teaspoon baking soda
225 grams (8 ounces) grated carrots
50 grams (1.75 ounces) chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
a pinch of salt
4 eggs
190 milliliters (3/4 cup) refined vegetable oil
80 grams (2/5 cup) sugar
250 grams (2 cups) flour
We recommend:
For baking soda:
Prime Earthborn Elements Baking Soda (2 Gallons) Sodium Bicarbonate, Cooking, Cleaning & Deodorizing
4.7
(2,612) Earthborn Elements Baking Soda (2 Gallons) Sodium Bicarbonate, Cooking, Cleaning & Deodorizing $59.99 View details Prime Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 1 Pound (Pack of 12)
4.8
(15,909) Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 1 Pound (Pack of 12) $17.88 View details Prime Everflow Organic Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, 50 lbs
4.3
(96) Everflow Organic Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, 50 lbs $69.99 View details
For grated carrots:
Le Sueur Tender Baby Whole Carrots, 15 Ounce (Pack of 6)
5
(1) Le Sueur Tender Baby Whole Carrots, 15 Ounce (Pack of 6) $29.99 View details Prime Bakepacker 36pcs Brown Pie Boxes 10x10x2.5 inches Easy Assemble Macaroon Cookie Boxes Bakery Boxes with Window for Bakery (Auto-pop Up)
5
(8) Bakepacker 36pcs Brown Pie Boxes 10x10x2.5 inches Easy Assemble Macaroon Cookie Boxes Bakery Boxes with Window for Bakery (Auto-pop Up) $27.88 View details
For chopped walnuts:
Prime Diamond of California Finely Diced Walnuts, 10 oz, 12 Pack
4.9
(20) Diamond of California Finely Diced Walnuts, 10 oz, 12 Pack $74.51 View details Prime Amazon Brand - Happy Belly California Walnuts Halves and Pieces, 16 ounce (Pack of 2)
4.7
(19,836) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly California Walnuts Halves and Pieces, 16 ounce (Pack of 2) $15.84 View details Prime best seller Fisher Chef's Naturals Chopped Walnuts 1 lb, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Resealable Bag, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack, Gluten Free
4.7
(30,900) Fisher Chef's Naturals Chopped Walnuts 1 lb, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Resealable Bag, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack, Gluten Free $6.16 $6.94 View details
For cinnamon:
Prime McCormick Ground Cinnamon, 7.12 oz
4.8
(17,930) McCormick Ground Cinnamon, 7.12 oz $6.12 View details
For vanilla essence:
Deiman Artificial Food Flavoring Vanilla Vainillol Essence(1.06 gal)
5
(1) Deiman Artificial Food Flavoring Vanilla Vainillol Essence(1.06 gal) $92.13 View details Prime Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle
4.8
(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details Prime Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar
4.8
(10,226) Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar $18.92 View details
For vegetable oil:
Prime Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1)
4.7
(17,570) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $10.99 $16.74 View details Prime Goya Foods Vegetable Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 24)
4.6
(33) Goya Foods Vegetable Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) $68.86 View details Prime Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Soybean Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1)
4.7
(26,340) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Soybean Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $9.99 $18.21 View details
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
4.7
(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details

Glaze

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
100 grams (3/4 cup) powdered sugar
250 grams (8.8 ounces) cream cheese
70 grams (5 tablespoons) butter
We recommend:
For vanilla essence:
Deiman Artificial Food Flavoring Vanilla Vainillol Essence(1.06 gal)
5
(1) Deiman Artificial Food Flavoring Vanilla Vainillol Essence(1.06 gal) $92.13 View details Prime Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle
4.8
(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details Prime Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar
4.8
(10,226) Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Jar $18.92 View details
For lemon juice:
Prime Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack)
4.5
(430) Volcano Bursts Organic Italian Lemon Juice, 33.8 oz (6 Pack) $66.99 View details Prime Realemon 100% Lemon Juice, 2.5 oz
4.7
(11,255) Realemon 100% Lemon Juice, 2.5 oz $4.01 View details Prime best seller TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets
4.6
(67,501) TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets $6.93 View details
For powdered sugar:
Prime Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1)
4.1
(37) Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1) $106.95 View details Prime best seller Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb)
4.6
(118,724) Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb) $11.90 View details Prime Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz
4.6
(39,317) Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz $6.98 View details
For cream cheese:
Prime Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8)
5
(4) Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8) $107.26 View details Prime Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12)
4.7
(13,623) Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12) $23.04 View details LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2)
4.4
(11,950) LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2) $16.98 View details
For butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.5
(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB
4.7
(27,356) SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB $10.99 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).

Step 2

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sift these ingredients to ensure there are no lumps. Sifting aerates the flour, which results in a lighter cake.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. Using room temperature eggs can help create a smoother batter.

Step 4

Stir in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and vanilla essence into the egg mixture.

Step 5

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6

Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake from the 35-minute mark.

Step 8

Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the glaze. Cooling the cake ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn't melt into the cake.

Step 9

For the glaze, whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a whisk or mixer until smooth.

Step 10

Add the softened butter, vanilla essence, and lemon juice. Continue to mix until well combined.

Step 11

Carefully slice the cooled cake into two layers.

Step 12

Spread a generous amount of the prepared glaze between the layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining glaze. For a professional finish, use an offset spatula to smooth the glaze.

Step 13

Decorate as desired and enjoy your carrot cake!

Servings

Serving this carrot cake is an experience in itself! Imagine a cozy gathering on a Sunday afternoon—your patterned plates adorned with the golden hues of this sumptuous pastry. 🍰

Your first option could be to enjoy this cake as a delightful dessert after a savory meal. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle some extra glaze on top. 🥄

Or, offer it as a breakfast treat; the grated carrots and nuts make it almost feel like a health food, right? Add a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or tea. ☕

How about a picnic? Pack the cake in a box and share slices with loved ones at the park. The natural sweetness of the carrots combines so well with the outdoor atmosphere. 🌳🍃

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

You'll need at least two mixing bowls for this recipe; one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Stainless steel or glass bowls are ideal.

We recommend:
Prime Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki)
4.6
(27,811) Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki) $32.28 $37.99 View details
Whisk

A good whisk is essential for incorporating air into your wet ingredients and ensuring your glaze is smooth and lump-free.

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
4.8
(22,752) OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk $10.93 $11.95 View details Prime best seller Walfos Silicone Whisk,Stainless Steel Wire Whisk Set of 3 -Heat Resistant 480°F Kitchen Whisks for Non-stick Cookware,Balloon Egg Beater Perfect for Blending,Whisking,Beating,Frothing & Stirring,Black
4.7
(9,797) Walfos Silicone Whisk,Stainless Steel Wire Whisk Set of 3 -Heat Resistant 480°F Kitchen Whisks for Non-stick Cookware,Balloon Egg Beater Perfect for Blending,Whisking,Beating,Frothing & Stirring,Black $11.89 $14.99 View details Prime Pack of 2 Danish Dough Whisk Blender Dutch Bread Whisk Hook Wooden Hand Mixer Sourdough Baking Tools for Cake Bread Pizza Pastry Biscuits Tool Stainless Steel Ring 13.5 inches 0.22 lb/pcs…
4.8
(8,757) Pack of 2 Danish Dough Whisk Blender Dutch Bread Whisk Hook Wooden Hand Mixer Sourdough Baking Tools for Cake Bread Pizza Pastry Biscuits Tool Stainless Steel Ring 13.5 inches 0.22 lb/pcs… $9.80 $14.99 View details
Electric Mixer

While you can use a hand whisk, an electric mixer will make your life much easier when whipping the cream cheese for the glaze.

We recommend:
Prime best seller KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
4.8
(9,786) KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black $279.99 $329.99 View details Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria
5
(4) Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria $579.99 View details Prime Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Silver
4.5
(9,824) Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Silver $95.99 $119.99 View details
Baking Dish

Choose a non-stick baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent your cake from sticking.

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid
4.7
(16,201) OXO Good Grips Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid $22.99 View details Prime best seller Pyrex Easy Grab 2-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set (2QT, 3QT) with Snug Fit Locking BPA-Free Lids, Rectangular Bakeware Set, Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer & Pre-Heated Oven Safe
4.7
(12,951) Pyrex Easy Grab 2-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set (2QT, 3QT) with Snug Fit Locking BPA-Free Lids, Rectangular Bakeware Set, Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer & Pre-Heated Oven Safe $15.98 $24.99 View details Prime Pyrex Deep 5.2-Qt (9"x13") 2-in-1 Glass Baking Dish with Glass Lid, Extra Large Rectangular Baking Pan For Casserole & Lasagna, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave and Pre-Heated Oven Safe
4.7
(6,500) Pyrex Deep 5.2-Qt (9"x13") 2-in-1 Glass Baking Dish with Glass Lid, Extra Large Rectangular Baking Pan For Casserole & Lasagna, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave and Pre-Heated Oven Safe $26.46 $32.99 View details

Variations

If you're looking for gluten-free versions of this scrumptious cake, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake's texture just right. 🌾❌

For a vegan variation, you can replace the eggs with flax or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tbsp seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Use vegan butter and vegan cream cheese for the glaze. 🌱💚

Faq

  • Why did my cake turn out dense and not fluffy?

    Dense cakes can be the result of over-mixing your batter or not properly sifting the dry ingredients. Make sure to mix just until combined.

  • Can I use another type of nut instead of walnuts?

    Absolutely! Pecans or even almonds can be great substitutes for walnuts.

  • How do I know when my cake is done?

    A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it's still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

  • Can I add other spices to the cake?

    Yes, feel free to add nutmeg, allspice, or even ginger for added depth in flavor.

  • What's the best way to store the leftover cake?

    Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

  • Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good mix before using it.

Nutrition facts

Spicy Christmas carrot cake with walnuts
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approx 475 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):450 - 500
Total Fat:30g
Saturated Fat:8g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:45g
Total Sugars:27g