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Cozy Carrot Cake Recipe Easy Homemade with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender carrot cake with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 250g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots, peeled)
  • ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (90g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly add vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple if using.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice or zest.
  12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly.
  13. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for best texture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother texture. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10 minutes before spreading. For vegan or gluten-free versions, use suggested substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cozy dessert, holiday cake

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/cozy-carrot-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cream-cheese-frosting/