Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake is a timeless dessert that has been cherished for generations, often making an appearance at celebrations and gatherings.
Its moist texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness from carrots make it a comforting and delicious treat.
Topped with rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true indulgence that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
For the carrot cake:
Ingredients
For the carrot cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups finely grated fresh carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them for baking.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will form the dry ingredients for the cake.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Slowly add the vegetable oil and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Next, fold in the freshly grated carrots and chopped nuts (if you’re using them). The carrots should be finely grated to ensure.
the cake has a smooth texture. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting.
How to Make
Making carrot cake from scratch is a rewarding process, and the steps are simple yet effective. Start by ensuring your ingredients are all at room temperature.
especially the eggs and oil, which will blend more easily into the batter. This helps the cake maintain its moist texture and creates a smoother batter.
Freshly grated carrots are key to giving the cake a natural sweetness and moisture that pre-packaged carrot cake mix cannot replicate.
When mixing the batter, avoid over-mixing, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into
the wet ingredients to ensure a light and airy texture. The oil not only contributes moisture to the cake but also helps it maintain its tenderness over time.
For the best cream cheese frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy frosting.
so it’s crucial to let both ingredients come to room temperature before you begin. When mixing the frosting.
take your time and incorporate the powdered sugar gradually, as this will prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
If you’re adding nuts to your cake, lightly toast them in a pan before folding them into the batter.
This enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils, making the cake even more delicious. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip this step, and the cake will still be amazing.
Once you’ve frosted the cake, make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This helps the frosting set and makes cutting the cake easier.
If you want to decorate the cake, you can use additional shredded coconut or even edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential. If the cake is still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off.
Be patient and let it cool to room temperature before applying the frosting.
For a festive touch, consider adding grated chocolate to the frosting or sprinkling cinnamon on top of the finished cake for added flavor.
This is an easy way to elevate your carrot cake, especially for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.
Tips
Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded carrots, while convenient, can be drier and less flavorful.
A fine grater or food processor is ideal for shredding the carrots quickly and evenly.
To ensure your cake layers are even, use a kitchen scale to measure the batter. This will help you achieve uniform layers that bake evenly, making for a more professional-looking cake.
If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute part of the vegetable oil with applesauce. This reduces the fat.
content and adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the carrots. Just be sure to keep the texture in mind when making substitutions.
To make the cake even more flavorful, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter along with the other spices.
This will deepen the cake’s overall flavor profile and enhance its sweetness.
If you want a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to double the frosting recipe. The generous amount of cream cheese.
frosting is often the best part of the carrot cake, and you can never have too much!
Make sure your frosting is smooth and spreadable before applying it to the cake. If it feels too thick.
Add a small amount of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
For a more decadent version, you can drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the frosting before serving. This extra touch will give the cake a beautiful shine and an irresistible flavor contrast.
Conclusion
Classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a beloved dessert that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess.
With its moist texture and tangy frosting, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress any guest or make any celebration feel extra special.
By following these simple instructions, you can make a homemade carrot cake that rivals any bakery version.
Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to bring joy and satisfaction to all who enjoy it.