Go Back
–+ servings
carrot cake recipe

Classic Carrot Cake

A moist, spiced carrot cake layered with cream cheese frosting, perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoon treats.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Hand Mixer
  • Cake pans

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In another bowl, beat oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.
  4. Stir in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and orange zest; beat until fluffy.
  8. Frost between layers and over the top. Garnish with chopped nuts or carrot curls if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 5400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of coconut or raisins to the batter.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!