Go Back

Best Carrot Cake Recipe

A moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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.

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • cake pans
  • oven
  • wire rack
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil together until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans (if using).
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
  10. 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.
  11. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired. Slice and serve.
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale - Kitchen Equipment Recommendation

Notes

This carrot cake is perfect for celebrations and can be customized with various add-ins like raisins or crushed pineapple.
QR Code linking back to recipe