Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a timeless dessert that has delighted taste buds for generations. Known for its moist texture and rich flavor, this cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. When I first tried this recipe with my family, it was met with rave reviews. The blend of spices, coupled with the fluffy, sweet frosting, made it an instant favorite. Not only is it a dessert that pleases the palate, but it also evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and festive celebrations. As we gathered around the table, each bite brought smiles and contentment, making it clear that this carrot cake was a delightful addition to our family recipe collection.

Ingredients

To create this scrumptious carrot cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cups of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups of grated carrots
• 1 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting, gather the following:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Creating a carrot cake from scratch may seem daunting, but this recipe breaks it down into simple, manageable steps. Follow these instructions for a delightful homemade carrot cake:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the grated carrots, pecans, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until well combined and fluffy.

Step 9: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 10: For an extra touch, garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts

This carrot cake recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Each serving contains roughly 450 calories. While it is a delectable treat, it’s always good to enjoy in moderation, especially for those watching their calorie intake.

Preparation Time

From start to finish, preparing and baking this carrot cake takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes the time needed for mixing the ingredients, baking, and allowing the cake to cool before frosting. It’s a time investment that pays off with each delicious bite.

How to Serve

Carrot cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic Presentation: Serve slices of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair the cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Festive Gatherings: Decorate the cake with edible flowers or candied carrots to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.
• Brunch Delight: Offer slices of carrot cake as part of a brunch spread alongside fruit salad and mimosas.
• Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your carrot cake turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded carrots as they can be dry and less flavorful.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
4. Layer Cooling: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
5. Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about carrot cake with cream cheese frosting:

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A: While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can experiment with buttercream or a simple glaze if preferred. Keep in mind that the tanginess of cream cheese complements the sweetness of the carrot cake beautifully.

Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like pineapple or coconut?

A: Absolutely! Adding crushed pineapple or shredded coconut can enhance the cake’s flavor and moisture. Be sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess liquid in the batter.

Q: How long will this cake keep?

A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.