Here's a detailed recipe for a delightful homemade carrot cake that boasts a moist crumb, rich spice flavors, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty slice of cake with deep flavors and textures, from the nutty crunch to the creamy topping.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (260g) chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish. Nuts are optional.)
- 1 and ½ cups (300g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (133g) smooth unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 and ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups (260g) grated carrots (about 4 large)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 and ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Toast the Pecans:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Toast in the oven for 7-8 minutes, then cool.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two or three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, folding gently. Stir in carrots and 1 cup toasted pecans.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake 20-24 minutes for three pans, or 30-35 minutes for two pans, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Level the cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a stand, spread frosting, and repeat with remaining layers. Cover the entire cake with frosting and garnish with remaining pecans.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps set the frosting and makes slicing easier.
Tips:
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance; store covered at room temperature.
- Variations: Add raisins, coconut, or other nuts according to your preference.
This carrot cake recipe is not only a winner at gatherings but also makes a delightful everyday dessert that impresses with its appearance and taste.
My Favorite Carrot Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover how to make the ultimate carrot cake with this easy recipe. Enjoy a moist, perfectly spiced cake with a creamy frosting that's ideal for celebrations or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- Frosting:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
4. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40-50 minutes. Cool completely.
5. For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until creamy.
6. Frost cooled cake and serve.
Notes
- Substitute half the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
- Toast the walnuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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