Spiced Carrot & Walnut Layer Cake

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Get ready to indulge in a classic dessert with a twist — Spiced Carrot & Walnut Layer Cake. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Perfect for celebrations or just because you deserve a treat.

Ingredients for Spiced Carrot & Walnut Layer Cake

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cake, while baking powder and baking soda ensure it rises beautifully. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth and depth. The eggs bind everything together, and the combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar provides a sweet and slightly caramelized background.

Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist, while vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Freshly grated carrots are the star, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Chopped walnuts introduce crunch, and crushed pineapple brings a subtle tang. Applesauce is the secret to a tender crumb, and buttermilk adds richness and a slight tang.

The cream cheese and butter in the frosting create a smooth and creamy finish, with powdered sugar sweetening it up and a hint of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top adds a decorative touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
  • Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
  • If your cakes dome in the oven, level them off with a serrated knife before frosting.
  • Chill the cake for a few minutes after frosting to make slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy experience, serve with a warm cup of spiced tea or a chai latte. The gentle spices in the cake complement these beverages perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work well if you're not a fan of walnuts.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Spiced Carrot & Walnut Layer Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake will come out easily later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this aside for a moment.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Gradually add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture, and mix until just combined — overmixing can make the cake tough.

Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, pineapple, and applesauce. The batter will be quite thick, but that's exactly what we want. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy and well combined. Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts, if desired.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with warm spices that bring cozy vibes.
  • Moist and tender texture thanks to a mix of applesauce and buttermilk.
  • Crunchy walnuts add a satisfying bite.
  • Simple yet decadent cream cheese frosting.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of tang from the pineapple.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup buttermilk
Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Stir in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and applesauce.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. To prepare the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
10. Once cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
11. Garnish with chopped walnuts and serve.

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