Craving a delicious treat but short on time? This easy spiced carrot and walnut cake is a perfect one bowl cake recipe that delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this moist and flavorful cake, making it an ideal choice for any home baker, especially if you’re new to baking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor. Pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
- Walnuts: Pecans are a great alternative if you prefer.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your liking.
- Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or another neutral-flavored oil works best.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup (180ml) neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup (115g) chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, 9-inch round cake pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your one bowl cake recipe comes out perfectly.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is well combined for your one bowl cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract directly to the bowl with the dry ingredients. You’ll love the simplicity of this one bowl cake recipe as you easily combine everything.
4. Stir in Carrots and Walnuts
Using a spatula, gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your one bowl cake tough.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow your delicious one bowl cake to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
If you choose to frost, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth in a separate bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over your cooled one bowl cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Add ½ cup of dried fruit for extra chewiness.
- Coconut: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Pineapple: Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (well-drained) for more moisture and tang.
Storage Instructions:
Store your spiced carrot and walnut cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially if it’s frosted. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I make this a gluten-free one bowl cake?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: Why is my carrot cake dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake are common culprits. Follow the baking times closely for a moist one bowl cake.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
A: Yes, you can, but fresh grating often yields a moister cake.
Q: What if I don’t have all the spices?
A: You can use just cinnamon, or a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend for a similar flavor profile in your one bowl cake.
Q: Can I bake this in a different pan?
A: Yes, you can bake this in a 9×13 inch pan, but adjust the baking time. It will likely bake faster.
Q: How do I prevent walnuts from sinking?
A: Toss the chopped walnuts with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout your one bowl cake.