Description
Carrot Cake with Smooth Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful cake filled with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings, offering a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrot Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. You can smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls with a spatula.
- Optionally, decorate with additional chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut on the sides or top of the cake.
- Serve:
- Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the cake batter.
- If you prefer a thicker cream cheese frosting, simply add more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
- The cake can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Carrot Cake Recipe, Spiced Carrot Cake, Carrot Cake with Frosting, Moist Carrot Cake, Easter Dessert, Birthday Cake