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Cozy Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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A comforting and easy-to-make carrot cake featuring a moist spiced batter and a rich, nutty brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy occasions and quick baking.

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
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (220g) grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. Peel and grate about 2 cups (220g) of carrots. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  4. In a large bowl, beat brown sugar and vegetable oil until well mixed. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) into the wet mixture.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. While cakes cool, melt unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, swirling frequently until golden brown and nutty aroma appears (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  10. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and salt. Drizzle in cooled brown butter while mixing until creamy and spreadable.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add second layer and frost top and sides.
  12. Chill cake for 20 minutes to set frosting before slicing. If frosting is too soft, chill in fridge for 15 minutes before spreading.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Use finely grated carrots for even texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth frosting. Frosting can be chilled briefly if too soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, brown butter frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, cozy dessert, spiced cake, quick carrot cake

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-cream-cheese-frosting/