Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of carrots with the tang of cream cheese.
This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat any time of year. Serve it as a dessert at your next family gathering or as a celebratory cake for birthdays and holidays.
The rich, creamy frosting complements the spiced cake base beautifully. Pair it with a cup of tea or a glass of milk to enhance your enjoyment. Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or sprinkle some cinnamon on top for extra spice.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this beloved, traditional cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This delicious carrot cake is perfectly moist and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. The combination of carrots, nuts, and warm spices make for a satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 9-inch round cake pan
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 offset spatula (optional)
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans - optional
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese - softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and nuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
To make the cream cheese frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or a knife.
Notes
You can add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the cake batter for additional warm flavors.
For a healthier option, you can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce and reduce the amount of sugar used.
You can also add raisins or shredded coconut to the cake batter for more texture.
For a healthier option, you can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce and reduce the amount of sugar used.
You can also add raisins or shredded coconut to the cake batter for more texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal
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