Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting recipe - A beautiful two-layer carrot cake with thick cream cheese frosting and walnut garnish.

Ultimate Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1.5 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cup brown sugar
1.25 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups grated fresh carrots (about 5–6 medium carrots)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Slowly pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture on low speed.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together for 3-5 minutes until very smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and gradually beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 11: Once the cakes are completely cold, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Notes

Always use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture levels. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a lump-free frosting.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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

Logo

Join Recipes For Home!

Get the latest recipe trends delivered to your inbox daily.

✓ You're on the list!