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Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

A cozy, moist carrot cake layered with tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh orange zest. This cake is rich in spices, loaded with freshly grated carrots, and perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • Zest from one orange

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Stir in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Stir in orange zest.
  10. Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and finish with frosting and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
  • Chilling the cake before slicing helps with clean cuts.
  • Toasting the walnuts adds extra depth of flavor.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, spiced cake, homemade carrot cake