easy Carrot Walnut Cake!

Here’s a complete guide on how to make the delicious and easy Carrot Walnut Cake!

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (225 g)
• 1 cup milk (200 ml)
• 1 cup oil (200 ml)
• 2.5 cups flour (300 g)
• 2 packets baking powder (20 g)
• 1 packet vanilla (5 g)
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped (slightly less than a full cup)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: A pinch of salt for balance

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Construction (Step-by-step):

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease or line your cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the wet ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
   • Add the milk and oil, and mix well until combined.
3. Sift the dry ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and vanilla together. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed and prevents clumps.
   • If you want to add a pinch of salt for balance, you can mix it in at this stage.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. It’s important not to overmix at this stage—just stir until the flour is incorporated.
5. Add the grated carrots and walnuts:
   • Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or top it with cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, or even a simple glaze.

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Variations:

1. Add-ins:
   • You can add other ingredients like raisins, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for more texture and flavor.
2. Frosting:
   • A classic pairing with carrot cake is cream cheese frosting. For a simple frosting, mix together:
     • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
     • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
     • 1-2 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
     • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
     • A pinch of salt to balance sweetness
3. Spices:
   • If you like more warmth, add nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of allspice along with the cinnamon.
4. Make it gluten-free:
   • You can swap the regular flour for gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free version.
5. Add a bit of orange zest for a citrusy kick!

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Tips:

• Grating the carrots: For the best texture, use a fine grater to grate your carrots. This allows them to blend smoothly into the cake batter without being too chunky.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Ovens vary, so be sure to check the cake with a toothpick around 35 minutes in. If it comes out clean, your cake is done.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It will stay moist and delicious.

Enjoy baking this quick, easy, and incredibly delicious carrot walnut cake!