Description
Carrot Cake is a moist and warmly spiced classic dessert made with freshly grated carrots, cinnamon, and crunchy nuts, then layered or topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or everyday baking, this cake is tender, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla and milk as needed.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble. Spread frosting over top and sides. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Toast nuts beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Store cake refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Add raisins or shredded coconut for variation.
- For a single-layer sheet cake, bake in a 9×13-inch pan for 35–40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American