Description
This easy carrot cake is moist and full of warm spice, perfect for any occasion from weeknights to birthdays.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 1 pound)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted walnut halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round pans or a 9 x 13 pan by greasing and lightly flouring them.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the oil and vanilla extract and whisk again.
- Add the dry mix to the wet mix and fold until nearly combined.
- Fold in the finely grated carrots, stopping when the batter looks even.
- Divide batter between pans if using two rounds. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs: about 25–30 minutes for round pans, 35–40 minutes for a 9 x 13.
- Cool in pans for 10–15 minutes, then remove cakes and finish cooling on a rack.
- Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth.
- Add sifted powdered sugar in two additions. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Place one cooled cake layer on a plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting to seal crumbs. Chill for 10 minutes if needed.
- Add the second layer and press gently. Spread remaining frosting on top and around the sides.
- Press toasted walnut halves onto the sides or scatter them on top.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes to set the frosting for cleaner slices.
Notes
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered. It keeps well for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg