Best Carrot Cake Recipe
A moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- Spatula
- cake pans
- oven
- wire rack
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Plus more for dusting the pans.
- 2 cups Granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the cake.
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda Helps the cake rise.
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 large Eggs Provides moisture and structure.
- 1.5 cups Vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist.
- 3 cups Grated carrots The star ingredient for flavor and moisture.
- 1.5 cups Chopped pecans Optional, for added crunch.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz Cream cheese At room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 stick Salted butter At room temperature.
- 16 oz Powdered sugar For sweetness and texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds flavor to the frosting.
- 0.5 cup Chopped pecans Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil together until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
This carrot cake is perfect for celebrations and can be customized with various add-ins like raisins or crushed pineapple.