Skip to Content

Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

Savor the Sweet and Spicy Delights of Classic Carrot Cake

Embark on a delightful baking journey with this irresistible Carrot Cake recipe, combining the earthy sweetness of freshly grated carrots with warm, aromatic spices and a velvety texture. Furthermore, this timeless treat brings together the perfect balance of moistness and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you're planning a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a slice of homemade comfort, this Carrot Cake delivers the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. After all, there's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked carrot cake wafting through your kitchen.

Ready to create a dessert that's sure to become a cherished family favorite? Let's dive into this foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular treat. For more delightful dessert ideas, check out our Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding recipe.

The Perfect Carrot Cake: A Timeless Classic

This Carrot Cake recipe not only captures the essence of traditional home baking but also introduces modern twists that make it truly exceptional. If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love our Best Granny Cake with Coconut. Moreover, the combination of fresh carrots, warm spices, and optional nuts creates layers of flavor that make each bite memorable.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and fool-proof nature. Additionally, you might want to try our Delicious Peaches and Cream Cake for another fantastic dessert option.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake:

  1. Grate with Care: Use the fine side of your grater for carrots to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter and cook evenly.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and other dairy to room temperature for better incorporation and a more uniform texture.
  3. Don't Overmix: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake's tender crumb structure.
  4. Even Distribution: Tap filled cake pans gently on the counter to remove air bubbles before baking.
  5. Cooling Patience: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For more baking inspiration, check out our Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake.
Carrot Cake

Classic Carrot Cake Recipe:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Blend Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and light in color, about 2 minutes.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and nuts if using.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Completely: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.
  8. Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting. Top with second layer and frost entire cake.

Storage Solutions:

Store your frosted Carrot Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, let slices come to room temperature before serving. If you love baking with carrots, you might also enjoy our Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken for a savory twist.

This Carrot Cake recipe guarantees a moist, flavorful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh carrots, warm spices, and rich cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

 

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  • Blend Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, beat eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and light in color, about 2 minutes.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and nuts if using.
  • Bake to Perfection: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool Completely: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.

 

  • Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting. Top with second layer and frost entire cake.
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
Carrot CakeCarrot Cake
Recipe rating