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Classic Moist Carrot Cake Recipe Perfect for Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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A quick and easy carrot cake recipe that yields a moist, flavorful cake with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (neutral-flavored, like canola)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (300g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (85g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Finely grate 3 cups (300g) of carrots using a box grater or food processor.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat sugar with vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Fold grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
  7. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting over top. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly.
  12. Chill cake in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set frosting.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and sweetness. Soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature before making frosting. Chill frosting if too soft and re-whip before spreading. Use parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, classic carrot cake

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/classic-moist-carrot-cake-recipe-perfect-for-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/