This delicious carrot cake is perfect for Easter or any special occasion!
Ingredients & Tools (Cake)
- 2 x 22cm (9in) cake tins
- Oil or baking spray (for tins)
- 75g golden raisins (optional)
- 250ml hot water
- 110g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 450g carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
- 240ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 310g plain flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 200g white sugar
- 150g brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 180ml vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 340g cream cheese, softened
- 170g butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 450g icing sugar
- Spatula
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C). Grease and line 2 x 20cm round cake tins.
- Pour hot water over raisins and leave for 10 - 15 minutes to soften, then drain.
- Lightly toast walnuts in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Combine your grated carrots and buttermilk in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, and vanilla on high for approx. 4 minutes until thick and smooth. Then, reduce the speed to low-medium and slowly add in the oil.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the carrot mixture. Fold in walnuts and raisins with a rubber spatula.
- Divide batter evenly between tins. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter on high for approx. 1 minute until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in icing sugar on low until combined, then increase speed back to high and beat until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread icing over the top with a spatula. Add second layer and cover top and sides with icing. Optional: decorate with extra walnuts or carrot curls.
Alternatively, use your favourite buttercream recipe and add in a few drops of LorAnn Cream Cheese flavour!
Enjoy! For more delicious Easter treats check out our blogs on Sprinkle Filled Easter Eggs, Painted Easter Cookies and Twisted Bunny Cookies.