Description
This carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is everything you want in a dessert—moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a tangy, smooth frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this tried-and-true recipe includes expert tips, creative variations, and storage advice for the best results every time.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking soda
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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2 cups grated carrots
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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1 cup raisins (optional)
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1 cup chopped walnuts
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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3–4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch pans.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat oil, sugars, and eggs until smooth.
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Stir in vanilla, then mix in grated carrots and pineapple.
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Fold in the dry ingredients, followed by raisins and walnuts.
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Divide batter between pans and bake for 40–45 minutes.
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Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
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For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
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Add vanilla, then powdered sugar gradually. Mix until fluffy.
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Frost cooled cake and chill before slicing.
Notes
- For extra moisture, soak raisins before adding.
- Let the cake rest overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use lemon zest or maple syrup in frosting for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: carrot cake, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, spiced cake, homemade dessert