Spiced Honey Carrot Cake

Name: Spiced Honey Carrot Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup raisins; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 35 min

🍽 Serves: 12

★★★★★

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Spiced Honey Carrot Cake is the dessert that practically screams cozy and comforting. With its delightful blend of warm spices and a sweet honey touch, this cake is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Let’s dive into what makes it so special.

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Ingredients for Spiced Honey Carrot Cake

All-purpose flour forms the base of our cake, providing the necessary structure. Baking powder and baking soda are our leavening agents, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy. The spice trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives the cake its warm, inviting flavor, while a hint of cloves adds depth. A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.

Butter adds richness and moisture, while granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps with creaming. Honey not only sweetens but also ensures a moist texture. Eggs bind everything together, giving the cake structure. A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the flavors.

Carrots are the star, adding moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. Walnuts and raisins bring texture, with a nutty crunch and sweet chewiness, respectively. For the frosting, cream cheese provides a tangy, creamy base, sweetened with honey and powdered sugar. Another dash of vanilla extract ties it all together.

Tips & Tricks

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature — it helps them combine better.
Grate the carrots using the finer side of a box grater for a smoother texture.
For an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special touch, sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top of the frosting. It’s a hit as a dessert or even a cozy afternoon treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Is there a substitute for walnuts?: Pecans work beautifully if you prefer or have them on hand.
How should I store leftovers?: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Spiced Honey Carrot Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and doesn't stick. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This ensures all those wonderful spices are evenly distributed.

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take a few minutes; the mixture will become pale and airy. Then, add the honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it nice and tender. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. This is where the cake gets its character.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out for even baking. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. It's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake cools, whip up the frosting. Beat together the cream cheese, honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Infused with the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warming spice profile.
Sweetened naturally with honey, giving it a unique, rich flavor.
Loaded with carrots, walnuts, and raisins for texture and nutritional goodness.
Finished with a creamy honey-infused cream cheese frosting that's just the right amount of sweet.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup honey

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups grated carrots

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup raisins

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add honey, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

5. Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

10. Spread frosting over the cooled cake before serving.

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