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Moist Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Easy and Best

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A moist and flavorful homemade carrot cake topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe combines warm spices, fresh carrots, and a luscious frosting for a classic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (330g) shredded fresh carrots
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (85g) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • A pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients in batches using a rubber spatula, mixing just until incorporated.
  5. Fold in shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and drained crushed pineapple until evenly dispersed.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing tops and tapping pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  10. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading frosting over the top. Add second layer and frost top and sides evenly. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to create soft swirls.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Use fresh shredded carrots for best texture. Drain pineapple well to prevent sogginess. Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Tent cake with foil if edges brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, classic dessert, baking, carrot dessert

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/moist-homemade-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-best/