Description
Bake the best homemade carrot cake from scratch with this easy recipe! This moist and delicious cake is perfect for any occasion. Includes cream cheese frosting and tips for the perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Add milk or cream if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it. Decorate with chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake moist.
- Add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Mix orange zest into the frosting for a citrusy kick.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, moist carrot cake recipe, easy carrot cake recipe, carrot cake from scratch, cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, dessert recipe