Description
Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced dessert made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and optional add-ins like pineapple, nuts, or raisins. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a classic treat perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in grated carrots and optional pineapple, nuts, raisins, or coconut.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30–35 minutes (round) or 40–45 minutes (9×13), until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Freshly grated carrots provide the best moisture and texture—avoid pre-shredded carrots.
- Pineapple and raisins add sweetness and moisture but are optional.
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Can also be baked as cupcakes or bundt cake with adjusted bake times.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
