Description
Carrot cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining moist layers of spiced cake with sweet, creamy cream cheese frosting. Each slice bursts with the goodness of freshly grated carrots and aromatic spices, making it perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to cozy gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can whip up a show-stopping treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and eggs until frothy. Stir in grated carrots and nuts if using.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Generously frost between layers and on top of cooled cakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg