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A delicious slice of carrot cake topped with generous cream cheese frosting.

Proven way to grow delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This classic carrot cake recipe is moist and flavorful, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of spices and sweetness.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Large bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

For the Carrot Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Stir in the grated carrots and optional chopped nuts.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

For extra moisture, add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter. You can also add some orange zest for a bright citrus note to the cake or frosting.