Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Warm Spices

This classic carrot cake is everything you love about the timeless dessert—moist, flavorful, and filled with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and the richness of Greek yogurt. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is both comforting and indulgent. The combination of the light, spiced cake and the creamy, tangy frosting creates a harmonious blend that will leave you wanting more. Whether for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this carrot cake is a perfect treat for all seasons.

Why You’ll Love This:

This carrot cake strikes the perfect balance between being moist and not too dense, with just the right amount of sweetness. The combination of both brown and white sugars adds depth of flavor, while the Greek yogurt keeps the cake tender and rich. The spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, give it that cozy, homemade feel. What makes it even better is the luscious cream cheese frosting, which complements the cake’s earthy sweetness with a tangy, smooth finish. It’s a simple yet showstopping dessert that is both satisfying and comforting.

Perfect Occasion:

This carrot cake is ideal for any celebration, from birthdays and family gatherings to Easter brunch or a holiday dessert spread. It’s a versatile cake that fits both formal and casual occasions, making it a perfect dessert for when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. It can also be made in advance, making it convenient for entertaining. Whether it’s a springtime picnic or a cozy winter tea party, this carrot cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Decoration Tips:

For a beautiful presentation, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake once it has completely cooled. You can create decorative swirls using the back of a spoon or a spatula to give it a rustic yet elegant look. For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut over the top, or add a light dusting of cinnamon. You can also pipe some extra frosting around the edges for a more polished finish. If you’re feeling creative, consider topping the cake with candied carrot curls or a simple garnish of orange zest.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake:

• 200 grams vegetable oil
• 165 grams brown sugar
• 150 grams white sugar (or use all brown sugar for extra flavor)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 155 grams plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt)
• 250 grams finely grated carrots
• 250 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (or use more baking powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions for Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 177°C (350°F) and line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sift these ingredients and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt, mixing until smooth. Fold in the finely grated carrots, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 113 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 250 grams cold cream cheese
• 300 grams powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or orange zest for a citrusy twist)

Instructions for Frosting:

1. Begin by sifting the powdered sugar into a bowl to ensure it’s free of lumps.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter on low speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture resembles fine sand.
3. Add the cold cream cheese and vanilla extract (or orange zest) to the butter-sugar mixture. Increase the speed and beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as it can cause the frosting to become too loose.
4. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or spoon. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy:

After decorating, slice your carrot cake and enjoy the perfect balance of spiced, moist cake and smooth, tangy frosting. This cake is even better the next day, so feel free to refrigerate it and let the flavors develop further. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, coffee, or on its own, this carrot cake is sure to become a favorite!