Description
This Perfect Carrot Cake recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful blend of warm spices, tender grated carrots, and optional crunchy walnuts, all topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a classic, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt for a balanced flavor and proper leavening.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the four large eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Add Carrots and Walnuts: Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, if using, to add moisture and texture to the batter.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, spreading and smoothing the batter surfaces for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to prepare for frosting without melting it.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy using a mixer or by hand.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly between the two layers and over the top of the cake to finish with a delicious creamy topping.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor; pecans can be a good alternative.
- Grating fresh carrots finely helps the cake maintain a moist texture.
- Store the cake refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free frosting alternative, consider using a vegan cream cheese and margarine substitute.
