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carrot cake recipe - A beautiful two-layer carrot cake with thick cream cheese frosting and walnut garnish.

The Ultimate Homemade Carrot Cake

A classic, moist, and perfectly spiced carrot cake topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.

  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly pale.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Gently stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Frost the cooled cake layers and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting and best cake rise.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: carrot cake recipe, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, best carrot cake

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