Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Printable)

Spiced layer cake loaded with carrots, nuts, and pineapple, finished with creamy frosting.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

→ Cake Wet Ingredients

10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Cake Add-ins

13 - 2 cups grated carrots
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
15 - 1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
16 - 1/2 cup raisins

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

17 - 8 ounces softened cream cheese
18 - 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
19 - 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, pineapple, and raisins until evenly distributed.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
09 - Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cooled cake. Garnish with extra nuts or grated carrot if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The cream cheese frosting is tangy sweet and spreadable without being too heavy
  • This cake actually tastes better on day two when all the warm spices have had time to meld together
  • Perfect balance between texture from the nuts and soft tender cake crumb
02 -
  • Drain the crushed pineapple for at least 15 minutes pressing down with a spoon to remove excess liquid
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for the frosting or it will curdle and separate
  • The cakes must be completely cool to the touch before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
  • Line your cake pans with parchment paper rounds for guaranteed easy removal
  • Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing to get cleaner cuts
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