Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic dessert that balances moist, spiced cake with rich, tangy frosting. This cake is a true comfort food favorite, offering a perfect combination of sweet and warmly spiced flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, while optional additions like crushed pineapple, coconut, and nuts enhance texture and flavor. Topped with creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers a moist, flavorful cake that feels indulgent without being overly sweet. The spices and natural sweetness from the carrots make it comforting, while the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy richness. It’s a dessert that feels homemade and special, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Every bite is soft, flavorful, and satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines classic flavors with a moist texture and rich frosting, making it both comforting and impressive. Carrot cake is universally loved and perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself. Its balanced sweetness, spiced aroma, and creamy frosting make it unforgettable and ideal for anyone who enjoys traditional cakes with a modern twist.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Baking

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients:

• Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut if using.

6. Pour Batter into Pans:

• Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops.

7. Bake the Cake:

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

9. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
• Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

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How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Slice into 12 generous pieces and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual dessert.

Recipe Tips

• Grate carrots finely for a smooth texture and even baking.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting.
• Don’t overmix batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Bake until a toothpick comes out clean but still moist; do not overbake.
• Add pineapple, nuts, or coconut for extra moisture and texture.

Variations

1. Spiced Carrot Cake: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice.
2. Vegan Carrot Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives.
3. Gluten-Free Carrot Cake: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
4. Layered Carrot Cake with Fruit Filling: Add a layer of apricot jam or crushed pineapple between cake layers.
5. Mini Carrot Cupcakes: Divide batter into cupcake liners for individual servings and frost with cream cheese frosting.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.
• Tips: Wrap cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Grater for carrots
• Wire cooling rack
• Spatula for frosting
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless dessert that is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The natural sweetness of carrots combined with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Its versatility allows for additions like pineapple, nuts, coconut, or dried fruits, making it customizable to your taste. Whether served as a birthday cake, holiday dessert, or weekend indulgence, this carrot cake is a must-try recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and joy in every bite.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic dessert that balances moist, spiced cake with rich, tangy frosting. This cake is a true comfort food favorite, offering a perfect combination of sweet and warmly spiced flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Desserts

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 12

Ingredients

Servings

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ tsp ground ginger (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• ¹⁄₂ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g)
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. 3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
4. 4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients: Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut if using.
6. 6. Pour Batter into Pans: Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops.
7. 7. Bake the Cake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. 8. Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
9. 9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Keywords: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting