This delicious carrot cake recipe is sure to become a favorite! Moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Slice and serve, and enjoy the best carrot cake ever!
Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter before baking.
