Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts (Print View)
Spiced carrot cake with walnuts, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting for springtime indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cake Add-ins
13 - 2 cups grated carrots, packed
14 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts
16 - ½ cup raisins
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
18 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil in a large bowl until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, walnuts, and raisins if using.
06 - Pour batter evenly into prepared pan(s). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until creamy and fluffy.
09 - Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting over the top and between layers if using round pans. Decorate with extra walnuts or carrot curls if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The pineapple keeps every bite incredibly moist without making it heavy
- Walnuts add the perfect crunch while cream cheese frosting balances the spices beautifully
02 -
- Completely draining the pineapple prevents a soggy cake that sinks in the middle
- Cooling the cake for the full time is non-negotiable or your frosting will slide right off
03 -
- Grate your carrots by hand instead of using food processor for better texture
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling and ensure even baking