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A delicious slice of carrot cake topped with generous cream cheese frosting.

Proven way to grow delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe provides a proven method for baking a delicious carrot cake, featuring a moist crumb and a decadent cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for anyone looking to make a classic dessert that's both comforting and impressive.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots about 4-5 medium carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Two 9-inch round baking pans
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round baking pans by greasing and flouring them.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, then fold in the grated carrots and nuts if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Frosting
  1. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost generously between layers, on top, and around the sides.

Notes

For best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the frosting. Do not overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a dry cake. You can add raisins or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture if desired.