Carrot Cake
A deeply comforting and super moist carrot cake topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or 1 1/2 cups all-purpose plus 1/2 cup whole wheat for a nutty note
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar or 1 cup brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil can substitute light olive oil or melted coconut oil for variation
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or applesauce for tenderness and healthier option
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots) squeeze out excess moisture if very wet
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional for crunch
- 1/2 cup raisins or crushed pineapple optional for sweetness and texture
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan and line with parchment if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until glossy. Add oil, yogurt or applesauce, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold gently until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins or pineapple if using.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar a cup at a time, then vanilla and salt. Taste and adjust sweetness.
Assembly
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Chill briefly to set the frosting for cleaner slices.
Notes
For a healthier option, replace oil with unsweetened applesauce and reduce sugar. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 blend and add xanthan gum if needed.