Description
Indulgent carrot cake brings warmth from classic American kitchens, blending sweet spices and rich cream cheese frosting. Moist layers promise delightful comfort, inviting you to savor each memorable bite of this beloved dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups grated carrots
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Topping/Frosting Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a large separate bowl, whisk eggs until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate vegetable oil and granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale.
- Fold grated carrots, vanilla extract, and buttermilk into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until creamy and well integrated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting between layers and over the entire cake surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped walnuts around the sides or on top of the frosted cake for added texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Enhance carrot moisture by squeezing excess water from grated carrots using a clean kitchen towel, preventing soggy cake texture.
- Replace traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Create a healthier version by substituting vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, reducing overall fat content.
- Experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew or tofu-based frosting for vegan dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg