Carrot cake is a timeless dessert that’s moist, spiced, and packed with flavor. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just craving something sweet, this easy homemade carrot cake recipe will be your new go-to.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best carrot cake step by step, along with expert tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Recipe
- Super moist and flavorful thanks to fresh carrots, warm spices, and oil
- Easy to make with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment
- Perfectly spiced with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
- Classic cream cheese frosting that is smooth, tangy, and delicious
- Great for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays and beyond
Ingredients for Classic Carrot Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed, for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk the sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a smoother consistency.
Step 4: Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for decoration.
Expert Tips for the Best Carrot Cake
- Use freshly grated carrots. Pre-shredded store-bought carrots are too dry.
- Do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in the fridge since cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated.
How to Store Carrot Cake
- Refrigerate: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to three months; thaw before frosting.
Conclusion
This classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is rich, moist, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy homemade carrot cake recipe that is sure to impress family and friends. Try it today and enjoy every bite of this deliciously spiced, perfectly frosted dessert.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake without nuts and raisins?
Yes. They are optional and can be left out without affecting the texture.
2. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil makes the cake moist and soft, but you can use melted butter for a richer flavor.
3. How do I make this a one-layer cake?
Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Why is my carrot cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the cake dense. Gently fold the ingredients and measure the flour correctly.
Enjoy baking your perfect homemade carrot cake.