Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your baking game forever! Nick's Famous Carrot Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the rustic warmth of classic American baking with an irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors. Imagine cutting into a perfectly moist cake studded with fresh carrots and crunchy walnuts, each bite promising a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to becoming the dessert hero of your family and friends!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients together until well incorporated and no lumps remain.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the sugar and vegetable oil together using an electric mixer until smooth and well blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix until the batter becomes light and creamy.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Carefully fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Optional: Frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Carrots: Grate your carrots just before mixing to ensure maximum moisture and flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and other ingredients to reach room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test—it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding crushed pineapple or raisins for extra moisture and flavor.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 468kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 84mg
