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Moist Classic Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and flavorful classic carrot cake with a tangy, silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (200 g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and nuts if using. If batter is too dense, add a splash of milk.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
  10. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness if needed.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread thick layer of frosting on top.
  12. Add second cake layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  13. Chill cake for at least 1 hour before serving to let frosting set.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for best texture. Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense cake. Drain pineapple well to avoid sogginess. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Frost cake only when completely cool. For vegan version, use flax eggs, coconut oil, and dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. Nuts can be substituted with seeds for allergies.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, classic carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, birthday cake, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/moist-classic-carrot-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-guide/