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Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rhonda Anderson
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Carrot Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
  • Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and well blended. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures : Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
  • Step 5: Add Carrots and Extras : Fold in grated carrots, and if desired, pineapple and nuts for extra flavor and texture.
  • Step 6: Bake the Cake : Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  • Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting : Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt until fluffy.
  • Step 8: Frost and Serve : Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut flakes for garnish.