Carrot Cake with Raisins and Nuts is a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweetness of carrots with the chewiness of raisins and the crunch of nuts. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious carrot cake with raisins and nuts:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the carrots, raisins, and nuts:
Gently fold in the grated carrots, raisins, and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter. The batter will be thick.
6. Bake the cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the cream cheese frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
9. Serve and enjoy:
Slice and serve your carrot cake with raisins and nuts. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just as a special treat.
Enjoy the rich, moist flavor of this homemade carrot cake!