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Moist Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender homemade carrot cake with warm spices and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar, packed (light brown preferred)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (about 3–4 medium) grated carrots (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat brown sugar with vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple if using. Do not overmix.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding gently until just incorporated. Batter will be thick and sticky.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes for 9×13 inch pan or 30-35 minutes for two 8-inch pans. Check doneness with a toothpick.
  7. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
  8. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
  9. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes if firmer frosting is desired.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for best texture. Use oil instead of butter to keep cake moist. Room temperature eggs and dairy help with mixing. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Squeeze excess moisture from carrots slightly but keep some for tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, celebration cake, dessert

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