Delight in the comforting, warm flavors of the Ultimate Homestyle Carrot Cake, an irresistibly moist cake filled with finely grated carrots and crunchy pecans, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This cake pairs these rich textures and flavors with a smooth and creamy frosting, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This
This carrot cake recipe brings a classic favorite to your kitchen with its straightforward and foolproof preparation. The cake itself is not overly sweet, which allows the natural sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the pecans to shine through. The creamy frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and decadence. It's a versatile dessert that's robust enough for a casual family dinner yet elegant enough for a festive gathering.
Perfect Occasion
Carrot cake is ideal for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, as well as seasonal gatherings in spring and autumn. Its warm spices make it particularly fitting for Easter and Thanksgiving, but it's also a comforting pick-me-up during winter. This cake can be dressed up for special occasions or served plain for a delightful everyday dessert.
Decoration Tips
For a beautifully rustic look, swirl the frosting with a spatula, creating peaks and waves. Garnish the top with a generous sprinkle of chopped pecans, or, for a more decorative touch, arrange whole pecans in a circular pattern. If you're feeling artistic, pipe carrot shapes on the top using tinted frosting. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a lovely finish and enhances the cake's aroma.
- Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1-½ cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Frosting:
- ¼ cup salted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Extra chopped pecans for topping
- Cake:
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Stir in carrots and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, in a medium bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Add heavy cream and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans.
Enjoy this Ultimate Homestyle Carrot Cake, a timeless dessert that promises to bring warmth and joy to your table!