Description
A deliciously moist carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.
- To make a layered carrot cake, double the recipe and bake in four 9-inch round pans, stacking them with frosting in between each layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg