Description
Carrot Cake with Maple Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced cake filled with freshly grated carrots and topped with a creamy maple-infused frosting. It’s the perfect blend of cozy flavors and indulgent sweetness, great for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the carrot cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups grated carrots
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- For the maple frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add oil and vanilla, mix well.
- Stir in grated carrots and any optional mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or pineapple.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add maple syrup and vanilla, mix to combine.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until frosting is thick and spreadable. Add salt if desired to balance sweetness.
- Once cake is completely cool, frost the top and sides as desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and texture.
- Pure maple syrup gives the frosting the best flavor—avoid artificial syrups.
- Don’t frost the cake while warm or the frosting may melt.
- Toasted nuts make a flavorful and crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg