Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds extra warmth)
• 3 large eggs , room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts , plus extra for garnish

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
2. Sprinkle additional chopped walnuts on top for garnish, if desired. Slice and serve!