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Cozy Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting for Beginners

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A moist and flavorful carrot cake with warm spices and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for beginners and cozy occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups (220g) finely shredded carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour them.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and drained crushed pineapple.
  4. Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in batches, folding carefully with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in the shredded carrots and nuts (if using).
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and spread evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes for a 9×13 pan or 30-35 minutes for round pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed, then stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
  10. Frost the cooled cake evenly using an offset spatula or knife. Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.

Notes

Drain crushed pineapple well to avoid sogginess. Shred carrots finely for even baking. Fold dry ingredients gently to prevent a dense cake. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting. If frosting is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before spreading. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. Squeeze moisture from very wet carrots.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, cozy dessert, beginner baking, moist carrot cake, homemade carrot cake

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-for-beginners/