Description
Best Carrot Cake is a moist, warmly spiced layer cake made with shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and a smooth cream cheese frosting. It is easy to make with simple ingredients and bakes into a soft, tender cake that works well for birthdays, holidays, and everyday dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, mix the oil and eggs until well combined. Stir in the shredded carrots and crushed pineapple.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the walnuts or pecans if using.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
9. Spread frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
10. Chill briefly to help set the frosting, then slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
Drain the crushed pineapple well so the batter does not become too wet.
Use finely shredded fresh carrots for the best texture and even moisture.
Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25M
- Cook Time: 30M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 68mg