Description
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances moist, spiced cake with rich, creamy frosting. The combination of freshly grated carrots and warm spices creates an inviting aroma, while the luscious cream cheese icing adds a heavenly finish. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat, this classic recipe will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium-sized)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- For Cream Cheese Icing: 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round baking pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in grated carrots and optional nuts.
- Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For icing, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Cool cakes completely before layering with icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use fresh carrots for the best flavor; avoid pre-grated options. For added moisture or sweetness, consider incorporating crushed pineapple. Customize with different nuts or spices like nutmeg for extra warmth.
