Here’s a delicious recipe for Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce or crushed pineapple (optional, for added moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper).
2. Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Then add the oil and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and any additional ingredients like applesauce or pineapple.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
3. Bake:
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer of the carrot cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second layer of cake on top, and frost the top and sides with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this rich, moist carrot cake with its luscious cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
