Description
This Classic Carrot Cake is a moist and fluffy delight, bursting with the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots and warm spices. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the oil and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day in advance; store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
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