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Pistachio Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Pistachio Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the earthy sweetness of carrots with the nutty crunch of pistachios. Topped with a rich and creamy icing, this cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly moist and flavorful. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness, this cake will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pistachios (roasted recommended)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • For Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round baking pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and chopped pistachios.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs then mix in oil and vanilla extract. Gradually combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just incorporated.
  4. Gently fold in grated carrots until evenly mixed.
  5. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Once cakes are cool, layer them with frosting in between and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating walnuts or pecans as substitutes for pistachios. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the spices in the cake. Decorate with crushed pistachios or edible flowers for an elegant touch.