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Cozy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and spiced carrot cake paired with a light, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or light olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (about 300g) freshly grated carrots (4–5 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
  2. Grate carrots using a box grater or food processor. Set aside about 3 cups (300g).
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using).
  4. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Slowly drizzle in oil and vanilla extract, mixing continuously.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake 40-45 minutes for 9×13 pan or 30-35 minutes for 8-inch rounds. Test doneness with a toothpick.
  8. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  10. Once cake is cooled, spread frosting evenly over top (and between layers if layered). Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and sweetness. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Chill frosting before spreading for a smooth finish. Rotate pan halfway through baking if oven has hot spots. For gluten-free, use almond flour but expect denser texture. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/