Irresistible Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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by Amelia

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza Just imagine the first bite: soft, moist cake layered with creamy, tangy frosting that makes your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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This beloved dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday bash, a holiday gathering, or just because you need an excuse to treat yourself. I remember the first time I made this cake for my family; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites. Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bites It was like I had discovered the secret to happiness in a cake form!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful carrot cake is easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite
  • The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, making it perfect for any celebration
  • Plus, the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast that elevates this cake to new heights
  • Versatile enough for brunch or dessert, it fits any occasion beautifully

I once made this cake for my brother’s birthday, and let’s just say his face was priceless when he took his first bite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a fluffy texture; it makes all the difference in this carrot cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here; it helps create that perfect sweetness we all crave.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise; no one wants a flat carrot cake!
  • Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile—don’t skip it!
  • Shredded Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide moisture and natural sweetness; use organic if possible.
  • Eggs: These bind everything together nicely—large eggs are ideal for better consistency.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and richness; avoid using olive oil for this recipe. Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes.
  • Cream Cheese: Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the frosting; it creates that decadent texture everyone loves. For more inspiration, check out this Classic New York Cheesecake recipe.
  • Powdered Sugar: This ensures your frosting is smooth and sweet—sift it before mixing for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances both the cake and frosting with delicious flavor—always opt for pure vanilla extract. For more inspiration, check out this Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Add shredded carrots and vanilla extract; stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Combine Mixtures Carefully : Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Bake Your Cakes : Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting : While cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well until fluffy perfection.

Now you have all the steps needed to create a delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Make sure to enjoy every bite—you deserve it! Pecan Upside Down Cake.

You Must Know

  • Carrot cake is a delightful treat that balances sweetness with spice
  • The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness, enhancing every bite
  • Don’t be surprised if your friends and family ask for seconds—they just might!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grating fresh carrots, then mix dry ingredients before wet ones. Bake until golden brown for the best texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add nuts or raisins for extra flavor, or swap in applesauce for a healthier twist.

Storing & Reheating

Keep leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use freshly grated carrots for better flavor and moisture
  • Let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
  • Always taste your frosting; it should be sweet yet tangy!

I remember baking my first carrot cake with my grandmother. She taught me that a little love goes into every delicious slice.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use pre-packaged shredded carrots?

Using fresh carrots enhances the flavor and moisture of your cake significantly.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Add more cream cheese to balance sweetness while maintaining that creamy texture.

How do I know when my carrot cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Description

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful blend of moist, spiced cake and rich, tangy frosting that promises to elevate any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert features freshly grated carrots and aromatic spices, creating a treat that’s both cozy and indulgent. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet escape, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.


Ingredients

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  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups shredded carrots (freshly grated)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in shredded carrots and vanilla.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. While cooling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; add vanilla extract.
  7. Frost cooled cakes with cream cheese frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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