Description
Bake a moist, spiced carrot cake bursting with flavor and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This classic recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, to reach your desired spreading consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Notes
- Ensure your carrots are finely grated for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter.
- If you don’t have nuts, you can omit them or substitute with shredded coconut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg