Description
A moist and flavorful carrot cake packed with warm spices, grated carrots, and optional nuts, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Notes
- You can toast the nuts beforehand for extra flavor.
- For easier frosting, chill the cake layers before assembling.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
