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Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A delicious slice of moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and chopped nuts, showcasing multiple layers.
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A moist and flavorful carrot cake, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and crushed pineapple (if using).
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  12. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can add 1/2 cup of applesauce to the batter.
  • Ensure your carrots are finely grated for the best texture.
  • If you don’t have pecans or walnuts, you can omit the nuts entirely.
  • For a richer frosting, use full-fat cream cheese and butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/carrot-cake-moist-delight/