Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious carrot cake without nuts. Many carrot cake recipes actually do not include nuts, and it still turns out to be a moist and flavorful dessert. Here's a simple and nut-free carrot cake recipe:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
Add the grated carrots, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Optional: You can decorate the cake with additional grated carrots, a dusting of cinnamon, or other cake decorations if desired.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the nut-free carrot cake and serve it as a delightful treat for any occasion!
This nut-free carrot cake recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone, and you won't miss the nuts at all with its moist texture and wonderful flavors!