Description
A moist and flavorful spiced carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 250 g (2 cups)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground spices: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 200 g (1 cup)
- Brown sugar: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Vegetable oil: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Eggs: 4 large eggs (approx. 200 g)
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Grated carrots: 300 g (3 cups)
- Nuts: 100 g (1 cup) of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Pineapple: 100 g (1 cup) of crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Prepare two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and crushed pineapple if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds and use vegan cream cheese and butter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, spiced cake, dessert recipe