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Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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This Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a richly spiced, tender cake bursting with natural sweetness and warmth. Featuring freshly grated carrots and a luscious cream cheese frosting, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and unmatched moisture, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Main Add-ins

  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to evenly distribute spices and leavening agents.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until slightly fluffy. Gradually add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing and keep the batter tender.
  4. Add Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in freshly grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using), ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is silky, smooth, and fluffy.
  7. Frost and Serve: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before spreading a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top or between layers if making a layered cake, then enjoy.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded for superior moisture and texture.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense or tough cake.
  • Use room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter for smooth batter and frosting.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean, neat portions.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/moist-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/