Description
Delicious and moist carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 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
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
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 until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Consider incorporating raisins or coconut flakes into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg