Description
This Creamy Carrot Cake recipe delivers the perfect balance of moist spiced cake and velvety cream cheese frosting. Packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a tender crumb, this dessert will become your new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this creamy carrot cake recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrot Mixture: Start by grating fresh carrots and mixing them with a bit of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add both granulated and brown sugar.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by the grated carrots and pineapple.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy. Spread generously over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Freshly grated carrots work best for moisture, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480 Kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy carrot cake, carrot cake recipe, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, homemade carrot cake, easy dessert recipe, best carrot cake