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Carrot cake is a lovable classic, bringing together cozy spices, sweet carrots, and a delicate crumb for a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This version takes the comfort up a notch with a hint of maple in the frosting and crunchy walnuts in the batter, making it perfect for special occasions or simply any time you crave something sweet and heartwarming.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; set this aside for a moment.
In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until slightly frothy. Stir in the vegetable oil, followed by the grated carrots. Add the dry ingredient mixture in a few batches, gently folding everything together until no streaks of flour remain. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in the chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack.
While the cake cools, make the frosting by blending the cream cheese, softened butter, and sifted powdered sugar until silky. Drizzle in the maple syrup and add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Spread or pipe the frosting generously on the cooled carrot cake, decorating with more chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon if you like.
This Sun-Kissed Spice Carrot Cake is wonderfully moist, packed with warm spices, and topped with the dreamy sweetness of maple frosting. It’s a delight for fans of homey desserts, suitable for festive gatherings or simply a treat-yourself moment. Feel free to adapt the recipe by swapping out regular flour for a gluten-free blend, or use flax eggs in place of traditional eggs if you need a plant-based alternative. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is sure to bring smiles to everyone at your table.
