Description
This moist and flavorful carrot cake is loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion from birthdays to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in grated carrots and pineapple (if using).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Fold in nuts if using.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then on wire racks.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, frost the top, add second layer, and frost the entire cake.
- Serve and enjoy. Garnish with extra nuts or cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Add raisins or coconut for variety. Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg