Print

Moist Classic Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

moist classic carrot cake recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A moist and flavorful classic carrot cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (300g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (85g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple if using. Mix evenly but do not over-stir.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Add vanilla and salt, then beat on high until fluffy.
  10. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting on top, add second layer, then frost top and sides evenly.
  11. Chill assembled cake briefly before serving to set frosting and meld flavors.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for best moisture and texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth frosting. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Variations include gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, classic carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, holiday dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/moist-classic-carrot-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/