Description
This moist and flavorful carrot cake is packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: carrot cake recipe, classic carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe