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Carrot Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 109 reviews

A moist and flavorful carrot walnut cake made with grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Enhanced with crushed pineapple and optional raisins, this cake is perfect for any occasion and offers a wonderful blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pans by greasing them or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly combined.
  3. Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then fold in the finely grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and optional raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before frosting or serving. This step helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Ensure carrots are finely grated for the best texture and moisture throughout the cake.
  • Draining the crushed pineapple is important to avoid excess moisture that could affect baking.
  • Optionally, you can add raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting for added richness.
  • If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds.