Description
Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is a timeless dessert favorite that brings comfort in every slice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 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
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cakes and top with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for better texture and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature.
- The flavor gets even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake, easy carrot cake, cream cheese frosting cake, moist carrot cake, homemade carrot cake