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carrot cake

Why This Carrot Cake Tastes Better Than Bakery Versions

Emily
This carrot cake is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. A classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd favorite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 round cake pans (8 or 9-inch)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Box grater (for carrots)
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)

Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 100g brown sugar
  • 1 cup 240ml vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups 300g finely grated carrots
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
  • ½ cup raisins optional

For Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups 240g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
  • Grease and line cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
  • Stir just until combined (do not overmix).

Step 5: Add Carrots & Extras

  • Fold in grated carrots.
  • Add walnuts and raisins if using.

Step 6: Bake

  • Divide batter evenly into pans.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool

  • Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Mix until creamy and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble

  • Spread frosting between cake layers.
  • Frost top and sides evenly.

Notes

Quick Tips for Best Results

  • Use freshly grated carrots → more moisture
  • Don’t overmix → keeps cake soft
  • Use oil instead of butter → better texture
  • Chill cake before frosting → cleaner layers
  • Add pineapple or applesauce for extra moisture