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Perfect Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and flavorful carrot cake with warm spices, fresh carrots, and a tangy cream cheese frosting that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (260 g) freshly grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (120 g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (80 g) raisins (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using).
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
  10. Spread a layer of frosting between the cakes, then frost the top and sides. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrot if desired.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and moisture.’, ‘Line your pans with parchment paper for easy removal.’, ‘If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.’, ‘For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, easy dessert, holiday baking

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/perfect-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting/