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Spreading cream cheese frosting onto a carrot cake layer with a spatula

Carrot Cake Recipe: A Moist and Flavorful Classic

Softly Recipes
A moist and flavorful carrot cake recipe made with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a creamy cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slice
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pans
  • 1 Wire cooling rack
  • 1 Electric mixer or whisk
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • ½ cup raisins optional
  • Recipe Instructions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.
  • Divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, and smooth the tops.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired.
Spreading cream cheese frosting onto a carrot cake layer with a spatula
Carrot Cake Recipe: A Moist and Flavorful Classic

Notes

For extra moisture, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded ones.
The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
For a healthier version, try substituting half of the oil with applesauce.
Add crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and moisture, but be sure to drain it well.

Nutrition

Serving: 12SliceCalories: 450kcal
Keyword best carrot cake recipe, Carrot Cake, Classic Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, traditional carrot cake recipe
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