Description
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe delivers ultra moist, perfectly spiced carrot cake with rich cream cheese frosting—an irresistible classic that’s perfect for holidays, parties, and family gatherings, with 7 ways to wow guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 250 g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots and nuts if using.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Make ahead for easy entertaining by baking the cake a day ahead and chilling before frosting.
- Let the frosting soften to room temperature for easy spreading.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 1 month.
- Decorate with chopped walnuts or pecans on the sides for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: ≈ 450 kcal
- Sugar: ≈ 66 g
- Sodium: ≈ 320 mg
- Fat: ≈ 30 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 57 g
- Fiber: ≈ 2 g
- Protein: ≈ 6 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 120 mg
Keywords: The Best Carrot Cake Recipe, carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, ultra moist carrot cake, spiced carrot cake, holiday dessert, party dessert