Delicious Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Creamy Frosting
This homemade carrot cake recipe blends comforting flavors and moist texture for a delightful dessert experience.
Equipment
- - Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cake Pans
- - Mixer
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ensure it's fresh
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or mixed spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt reduce for regular salt
- 1 te teaspoon baking soda ensure freshness
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar can be reduced
- 1 cup vegetable oil can use melted coconut oil
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract substitutable with almond extract
- 2 cups shredded peeled carrots not large chunks
- 1 cup raisins can be omitted
- 1 cup toasted pecans can be omitted
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
For Decoration
- 0.5 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans optional
Instructions
How to Make Carrot Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and baking soda until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, blend in the pure vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Then, add the shredded carrots, raisins, and toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla extract until creamy.
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes if needed. Layer frosting between each cake, then cover the top and sides with frosting. Garnish with chopped pecans.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.