Description
This easy carrot cake recipe is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and warm cinnamon spice, it is topped with a smooth and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this classic carrot cake will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and grated carrots
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
Frosting
- 4 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the base of two 9-inch round cake tins with parchment paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well blended. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Once all sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is pale and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cream cheese frosting over the top evenly. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining frosting over the top of the cake for a smooth finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh carrots and finely grate them.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bring cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
