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Carrot Cake Recipe

This moist and flavorful carrot cake is packed with spices, shredded carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this classic dessert is sure to impress!
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Grater (for carrots)
  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • For the cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots about 5 medium carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • ½ cup raisins optional
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • Mix the dry ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
  • Prepare the wet ingredients:
  • In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Combine the batter:
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots, and if desired, the walnuts and raisins.
  • Bake:
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  • Assemble the cake:
  • Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  • Decorate and serve:
  • Garnish the cake with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots, if desired. Slice and serve!