Description
This classic carrot cake is incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a timeless dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (firmly packed)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another large bowl, mix sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Once cakes are cool, frost between layers and all over the outside.
- Slice and serve with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts before adding for a richer flavor.
- Let the frosting chill before using for easier spreading.
- Use freshly grated carrots, not pre-shredded, for better moisture.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and frost the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, classic dessert, homemade carrot cake