Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist, spiced cake with natural sweetness from carrots and a crunchy walnut topping. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 50 min Serves 12 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.
  2. Step 2: Beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  3. Step 3: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then fold in 2 cups grated carrots and 1/2 cup honey until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While cooling, combine 1/2 cup chopped walnuts with 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for the streusel topping and sprinkle over the cake before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Carrot Cake with Walnut Streusel?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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