Carrot walnut cake is one of those timeless desserts that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Moist, tender, and packed with earthy sweetness, this cake combines the natural flavor of carrots with the crunch of walnuts for the perfect balance of texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
If you love a dessert that’s subtly spiced, irresistibly moist, and filled with nutty goodness, this is the recipe for you. And if you’re a fan of a rich, creamy frosting, just wait until you see the luscious cream cheese topping
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Walnut Cake
Incredibly Moist – Thanks to freshly grated carrots and just the right amount of oil, every slice stays soft and tender
Perfectly Spiced – A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it that cozy, homemade taste
Crunchy & Nutty – Chopped walnuts add the perfect contrast to the soft cake
Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and a little love
Pairs Wonderfully with Cream Cheese Frosting – That tangy, creamy finish takes this cake to another level
What Does Carrot Walnut Cake Taste Like
This cake has a lightly spiced, earthy sweetness, thanks to the combination of carrots, brown sugar, and warm spices. The walnuts add a pleasant crunch, and the cake’s soft, tender crumb makes it melt in your mouth. With a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, you get a delicious contrast of tangy and sweet, making each bite absolutely heavenly
Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cake
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (220g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts
For the cream cheese frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Electric mixer (optional, for frosting)
- 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13-inch baking pan)
- Parchment paper (for easy cake removal)
Optional Additions & Substitutions
Raisins – For extra sweetness and texture, stir in ½ cup of raisins
Coconut Flakes – A handful of shredded coconut adds a tropical twist
Pecans Instead of Walnuts – Swap the walnuts for pecans if you prefer
Maple Syrup in the Frosting – Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a hint of caramel-like sweetness
How to Make Carrot Walnut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined
Step 4: Combine & Fold in Carrots and Walnuts
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and creamy
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and over the top
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Slice and serve your delicious carrot walnut cake! For an extra decorative touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top
What to Serve with Carrot Walnut Cake
Hot Coffee or Chai Tea – The warm spices pair beautifully with a cozy drink
Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of ice cream takes this cake to another level
A Drizzle of Honey – For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over each slice
Tips for the Best Carrot Walnut Cake
Use Freshly Grated Carrots – Pre-shredded carrots from the store are too dry. Freshly grated ones give the best moisture and texture
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting – A warm cake will melt the frosting, making it runny
How to Store Carrot Walnut Cake
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without nuts
Yes! Just leave out the walnuts, and the cake will still be perfectly moist and delicious
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
Yes, but the cake will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a good balance
Can I make this cake ahead of time
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them just before serving for the freshest taste
More Delicious Bakes to Try
If you love warm, comforting cakes, check out these amazing recipes
Amish Applesauce Cake – A soft, spiced cake made with applesauce for extra moisture
No-Oven Stovetop Bread – Perfect for when you want fresh bread without turning on the oven
Buttermilk Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – A nutty, buttery treat that’s just as delicious as it sounds
I’d love to see how your carrot walnut cake turns out! Share your baking creations on Pinterest and let’s spread the joy of homemade treats
Print
Carrot Walnut Cake – Moist, Nutty, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and nutty carrot walnut cake is packed with warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and freshly grated carrots, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a comforting homemade treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this easy-to-make cake will impress everyone with its irresistible taste and beautiful presentation!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (220g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and creamy.
- Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and over the top.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded ones from the store.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot walnut cake, carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade cake, easy carrot cake recipe, spiced cake, nutty carrot cake
2 thoughts on “Carrot Walnut Cake – Moist, Nutty, and Irresistible ( in 10 Min)”