Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1

Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or with a food processor. Measure out 280 grams (2 ½ cups).

Step 2

Put the chopped walnuts (75 grams, ¾ cup) in a dry pan and place over medium heat. Stir frequently for a few minutes until the nuts smell toasty. Remove from the heat to cool.

Step 3

Measure out the rest of the ingredients. Let the eggs (4 large), cream cheese (226 grams, 8 ounces), and butter (57 grams, 4 tablespoons) come to room temperature.

Step 4

Position the oven rack to the center position. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.

Step 5

If making a sheet cake: Prepare a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) pan with non-stick spray and (optional) parchment paper. If making a layer cake: Prepare 2- 9-inch (23 cm) round layer cakes with non-stick spray and parchment paper. If making cupcakes: line a cupcake tin with paper liners. This recipe makes about 14-16 cupcakes. How to Prepare your Pans for Baking Tutorial

Step 6

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour (240 grams, 2 cups), baking soda (1 ¾ teaspoon), salt (¾ teaspoon), cinnamon (2 teaspoons), nutmeg (¾ teaspoon), and ginger (¾ teaspoon).

Step 7

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the eggs, oil (226 grams, 1 cup), brown sugar (400 grams, 2 cups), vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons), and orange zest (1 tablespoon) on medium speed until well combined.

Step 8

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just blended, about 30 seconds. Scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 9

Add in the carrots and walnuts and mix just until combined.

Step 10

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 35-40 minutes for a sheet cake, 22-26 minutes for layer cakes, and 18-22 minutes for cupcakes. Pull out of the oven when the cake is firm but springs back when gently pressed on. Let the cake(s) cool completely before frosting.

Step 11

Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides.

Step 12

Add the powdered sugar (420 grams, 3 ½ cups), vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Beat on medium high until blended and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Cover the frosting and set aside at room temperature until ready to frost the cake.

Step 13

Once the cake is completely cooled and at room temperature, if making a sheet cake, frost the top of the cake. If making a layered cake, frost in between the layers and on top of the cake. If making cupcakes, top each cupcake with frosting.

Step 14

Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top if desired.

Step 15

Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 1 week.