Description
Bake a moist spiced carrot cake filled with shredded carrots and nuts, topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the frosting to be smooth.
- You can add raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and chewiness.
- For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the batter.
- Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the frosting to achieve your preferred thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 450-500
- Sugar: Approx. 50-60g
- Sodium: Approx. 200-300mg
- Fat: Approx. 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 17-23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 60-70g
- Fiber: Approx. 2-4g
- Protein: Approx. 4-6g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 50-70mg