Carrot Walnut Spring Layer (Printable)

A moist spiced carrot and walnut layered cake with creamy frosting and fresh decoration.

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil
12 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

21 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
22 - Fresh edible flowers or carrot curls

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and slightly thickened. Add oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing well.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and light.
10 - Level cake layers if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, and repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
11 - Decorate with extra walnuts and edible flowers or carrot curls if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • Richly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm, inviting flavor.
  • Moist texture achieved with applesauce and oil, keeping it tender and delicious.
  • Packed with walnuts and fresh, finely grated carrots for crunch and natural sweetness.
  • Layered with a tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the spices.
  • Beautifully decorated with edible flowers, making it a stunning centerpiece.
02 -
  • Ensure even layers by weighing your batter before dividing it among pans.
  • Level the cake layers with a serrated knife for smooth stacking and professional presentation.
  • Chill the cream cheese frosting briefly if it becomes too soft to handle easily.
  • Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Go Back