Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A slice of this Classic Carrot Cake is like a cozy embrace; it’s hearty with a delightful moistness, fragrantly spiced, and perfectly balanced with a creamy tang of the cream cheese frosting. It’s a cake that celebrates simplicity and sophistication in one bite.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake:

• Rich and Moist: The cake’s texture is incredibly moist, which is a hallmark of a great carrot cake, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
• Perfectly Spiced: The blend of spices, typically cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or ginger, infuses the cake with warmth and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Carrots: Grated carrots not only add natural sweetness and moisture but also make you feel good about getting some veggies in your dessert.
• Creamy Frosting: The smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the spiced cake, adding a luxurious richness.
• Texture Contrast: The addition of nuts provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft crumb of the cake and the creamy frosting.
• Versatile: It’s a cake that’s fit for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to more festive celebrations.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its layers of frosting and rustic charm, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a showstopper dessert.#

Decorating Tips:

• Use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative swirls on top of the cake.
• Garnish with additional nuts, small marzipan or fondant carrots, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an artisanal touch.
• If desired, toast the nuts lightly before decorating for extra flavor and crunch.

Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Author: content team

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour Servings:12 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

This Classic Carrot Cake is moist, rich, and spiced to perfection, studded with grated carrots and nuts, and layered with velvety cream cheese frosting. Each slice is a harmonious blend of warm spices and sweet, earthy flavors, crowned with a decadent frosting that complements the cake’s texture and taste. It’s an heirloom recipe that’s stood the test of time, perfect for those who appreciate the marriage of simple ingredients creating an extraordinary dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
4. Stir in grated carrots and nuts (if using).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
9. Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Notes

• Ingredient Temperature: For the best results, ensure that all your ingredients, particularly the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature before beginning your baking.
• Grating Carrots: Finely grate the carrots for an even distribution throughout the cake. Avoid using pre-grated carrots from the store as they can be too dry.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Some enjoy adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Nut Options: While walnuts are traditional, pecans can be a delicious alternative. You can also omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free cake.
• Frosting Thickness: If the frosting is too thick to spread, you can thin it with a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
• Storing the Cake: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s covered so it doesn’t absorb other flavors from the fridge.
• Freezing: Both the cake and the frosting freeze well. Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.