Moist carrot cake studded with walnuts and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting is a beloved family dessert. This warmly spiced classic transforms humble carrots into an extraordinary celebration cake.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and emulsified.
Sift all-purpose flour with cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add grated carrots and chopped walnuts; stir only until evenly distributed to avoid overmixing, ensuring a moist crumb.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 40–45 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness without overbaking; cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the frosting: beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and blend until fluffy; spread evenly over the cooled cake.