Moist, flavorful, and adorned with creamy frosting, this Carrot Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With finely grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon, and a rich cream cheese frosting, every bite is a delightful blend of sweet and spice. Perfect for any celebration or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake promises to satisfy your dessert cravings.
What Makes This Carrot Cake Special
The beauty of this Carrot Cake lies in its moist texture and the natural sweetness of the carrots. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon enhances the flavor, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, creamy contrast. The cake is adorned with realistic-looking marzipan carrots, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
A Classic Treat for Any Time
Picture this: It’s a cozy afternoon, and you’ve just sliced into a beautifully frosted Carrot Cake. The cake layers are moist and rich, with the frosting providing a smooth, tangy finish. As you take a bite, the flavors of sweet carrots, warm cinnamon, and creamy frosting create a moment of pure comfort. This cake is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, making any occasion feel special.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Carrot Cake is a versatile choice. It’s easy to make ahead and keeps well, so you can enjoy it fresh or serve it the next day. Pair it with your favorite beverage for a delightful combination that’s always a hit.
Ingredient Notes
Flour, Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The foundation for a perfectly risen, soft, and fluffy cake.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves: A warm, aromatic spice blend that gives carrot cake its signature cozy flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Carrots: Freshly shredded for moisture, texture, and natural sweetness.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: A mix of white and brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness and caramel-like depth.
Eggs & Oil: Work together to create a rich, moist crumb with a soft, tender texture.
Crushed Pineapple: Adds extra moisture, a subtle tangy sweetness, and a delicate tropical note.
The BEST Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream Cheese & Butter: A smooth, velvety base for a luscious, tangy-sweet frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the frosting silky.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Carrot Cake with:
A cup of hot or iced tea to complement the sweet and spicy flavors.
A side of fresh fruit for added freshness and color.
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess.
A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Tips for Baking Perfection
Use finely grated carrots: This ensures even distribution and a moist texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense; mix just until combined.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This ensures the frosting stays smooth and doesn’t melt.
Garnish with marzipan carrots: These add a beautiful and whimsical touch to the cake.
Store properly: Keep the cake covered to maintain its moisture and freshness.
A Delicious Cake Worth Sharing
This Carrot Cake is a testament to the beauty of combining simple, natural ingredients to create something truly special. With its rich flavor, moist texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. One bite, and you’ll understand why this cake is a cherished classic.
Carrot Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 ½ cups 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 lb 455 g carrots, shredded (about 3 cups, or slightly less)
- 1 ½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 100 g brown sugar, gently packed
- 1 ÂĽ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ÂĽ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup 235 ml oil, (vegetable/canola)
- 8 oz 225 g canned crushed pineapple, with juices (do NOT drain)
The BEST Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz 450 g block-style cream cheese, (two 8-oz blocks) cold
- 1 cup 225 g unsalted butter, (2 sticks) room temperature
- 2 cups 240 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to ensure your cake releases easily, then set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. This blend of warm spices will give your cake its signature cozy flavor!
- If you'd like, peel the carrots, then trim off the ends. Grate or shred them using a food processor or a box grater—whichever method you prefer. Freshly grated carrots add the perfect moisture and sweetness to your cake!
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium-high speed until everything is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Reduce the speed to medium and slowly drizzle in the oil while the mixer is running. Once added, increase the speed and continue mixing until the mixture turns pale and slightly fluffy.
- Now, fold in the crushed pineapple and shredded carrots, mixing just until everything is evenly incorporated. Your batter is coming together beautifully!
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture by hand, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps the cake light and tender!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking around 30 minutes, but it may take up to 45 minutes.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.
- Pro tip: For easier frosting with fewer crumbs, double-wrap the cooled cakes in plastic wrap and freeze for a few hours before assembling. It makes a world of difference!
The BEST Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat it with a hand mixer until perfectly smooth.
- Gradually add the butter, two tablespoons at a time, mixing continuously until the mixture is silky and well blended.
- Add all the powdered sugar and vanilla at once, then mix just until everything is combined and smooth. Be careful not to overbeat—if the frosting gets too soft, simply pop it in the fridge or freezer for a bit to firm up.
- Frost your cake as desired, creating those dreamy, creamy layers. Store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. A cake container works great, but if you’re using plastic wrap, keep it loose to avoid messing up that gorgeous frosting!
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