The Ultimate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Is there anything more comforting than a slice of moist, spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting? This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and perfected for the home baker. It's incredibly easy to make, delivers that classic carrot cake taste, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a delightful weekend treat, this cake is sure to become your go-to recipe.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- - Mixing bowls
- - Whisk
- Wire rack
- Mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 0.5 cup raisins optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream for desired consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts (or pecans), and raisins (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top (and sides, if desired) with the cream cheese frosting.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set (optional).
- Slice and serve your delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Notes
For a gluten-free cake, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also substitute applesauce for half of the vegetable oil to reduce the fat content.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Use freshly ground spices for best flavor. Grate your own carrots for more moisture and taste.
Try a vegan variation by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using vegan cream cheese frosting. Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to spice it up.