Carrot Cake Recipe
This Carrot Cake is the perfect blend of cozy spices, moist texture, and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a special celebration or a simple dessert craving, this timeless treat never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 250g
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 150g
- 1 cup vegetable oil 240ml
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups grated carrots 300g (about 4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 60g (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese 227g (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter 115g (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar 360g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk optional for desired consistency
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Incorporate carrots: Gradually stir the grated carrots into the wet ingredients.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (if needed for spreading consistency) and beat until well combined.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or carrot decorations.