Carrot Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, moist, and nutty flavors. The blend of grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic cinnamon makes for an irresistible cake that is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a simple family dessert or impressing guests at a gathering, this cake will never disappoint. The recipe is straightforward, and the result is a cake that’s rich in flavor and texture, with minimal effort.
Why This Carrot Walnut Cake Works
The magic behind this Carrot Walnut Cake lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Moist Texture: The grated carrots add natural moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender while also giving it a slight earthiness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Walnut Crunch: The chopped walnuts offer a wonderful contrast to the cake’s soft crumb, providing a nutty crunch that elevates each bite.
- Balanced Sweetness: With just the right amount of sugar, the cake is sweet but not overwhelmingly so. The natural sweetness of the carrots helps balance the flavors.
- Warm Spices: A touch of cinnamon brings warmth and depth, making this cake perfect for any season.
- Simple to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. All you need is a bowl, a mixer, and a baking dish to create this delightful dessert.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs: They provide structure and richness to the cake.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar (225 g): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup milk (200 ml): Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a soft texture.
- 1 cup oil (200 ml): Contributes to the cake’s moistness, making it tender and rich.
- 2.5 cups flour (300 g): Forms the base of the cake, giving it the necessary structure.
- 2 packets baking powder (20 g): Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 packet vanilla (5 g): Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups grated carrots: Adds moisture, flavor, and a healthy twist to the cake.
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The ideal size for this cake recipe.
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter.
- Sifter: Ensures the dry ingredients are well-combined and free of lumps.
- Spatula: For folding in the carrots and walnuts.
How to Make Carrot Walnut Cake by Bigzazoo
This Carrot Walnut Cake recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious result every time. Here’s how you can make it step-by-step:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven: Set the temperature to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease the baking pan: Use 1 teaspoon of solid oil to lightly grease your baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs and 1.5 cups of granulated sugar with a mixer until the mixture turns light and foamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add milk and oil: Pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of oil. Whisk everything together for about 10 seconds until well-combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2.5 cups of flour, 2 packets of baking powder, and 1 packet of vanilla. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and removes any lumps.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on the lowest speed of your mixer until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 4: Add Carrots, Walnuts, and Cinnamon
- Fold in the carrots, walnuts, and cinnamon: Gently fold 2 cups of grated carrots, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should have risen nicely.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve: Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve as is, or top with a cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
To ensure your Carrot Walnut Cake turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can result in a cake that doesn’t rise properly. Fresh eggs and walnuts will also make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Don’t over-mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, as it develops too much gluten in the flour.
- Grate the carrots finely: Finely grated carrots will blend seamlessly into the cake, giving it a more even texture. Avoid using pre-shredded carrots, as they are usually too thick and dry.
- Optional add-ins: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding ½ cup of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.
- Cream cheese frosting: If you want to make this cake extra special, top it with a homemade cream cheese frosting. The tangy frosting pairs beautifully with the sweet and nutty flavors of the cake.
How to Serve Carrot Walnut Cake
Carrot Walnut Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Plain: This cake is so flavorful on its own that it doesn’t need any toppings. Enjoy it as is with a cup of coffee or tea.
- With Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more indulgent treat, frost the cake with a rich cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: If you want to keep things simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the cake can add a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of Carrot Walnut Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any season.
Serving Suggestions
Carrot Walnut Cake is an excellent dessert for all occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Afternoon Tea: Serve this cake alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Family Gatherings: This cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or special occasions. It’s easy to make in large quantities and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday Desserts: Carrot Walnut Cake fits right in with holiday desserts like pumpkin pie and apple crumble, thanks to its warm spices and hearty flavors.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
This recipe yields about 12 servings, making it a great option for larger gatherings.
Conclusion
Bigzazoo’s Carrot Walnut Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its moist carrot-filled base, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon spice, every bite is a delightful experience. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in under an hour, making it perfect for busy bakers. Whether served plain, with frosting, or with a scoop of ice cream, this Carrot Walnut Cake is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting and delicious homemade treat.
Recipe Card
Carrot Walnut Cake
Carrot Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, moist, and nutty flavors. The blend of grated carrots, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic cinnamon makes for an irresistible cake that is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a simple family dessert or impressing guests at a gathering, this cake will never disappoint. The recipe is straightforward, and the result is a cake that’s rich in flavor and texture, with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- – **4 eggs**: They provide structure and richness to the cake.
- – **1.5 cups granulated sugar 225 g**: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- – **1 cup milk 200 ml**: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a soft texture.
- – **1 cup oil 200 ml**: Contributes to the cake’s moistness, making it tender and rich.
- – **2.5 cups flour 300 g**: Forms the base of the cake, giving it the necessary structure.
- – **2 packets baking powder 20 g**: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- – **1 packet vanilla 5 g**: Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- – **2 cups grated carrots**: Adds moisture flavor, and a healthy twist to the cake.
- – **1 cup walnuts chopped**: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- – **1 teaspoon cinnamon**: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
- – **Preheat your oven**: Set the temperature to **180°C (356°F)**.
- – **Grease the baking pan**: Use **1 teaspoon of solid oil** to lightly grease your baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- – **Beat the eggs and sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat **4 eggs** and **1.5 cups of granulated sugar** with a mixer until the mixture turns light and foamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- – **Add milk and oil**: Pour in **1 cup of milk** and **1 cup of oil**. Whisk everything together for about 10 seconds until well-combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- – **Sift the dry ingredients**: In a separate bowl, sift together **2.5 cups of flour**, **2 packets of baking powder**, and **1 packet of vanilla**. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and removes any lumps.
- – **Combine the wet and dry ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on the lowest speed of your mixer until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 4: Add Carrots, Walnuts, and Cinnamon
- – **Fold in the carrots, walnuts, and cinnamon**: Gently fold **2 cups of grated carrots**, **1 cup of chopped walnuts**, and **1 teaspoon of cinnamon** into the batter. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- – **Pour the batter**: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- – **Bake**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for **35-40 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should have risen nicely.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- – **Cool the cake**: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- – **Slice and serve**: Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve as is, or top with a cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.