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Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe

This moist and flavorful carrot cake recipe is made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a tender, fluffy crumb that makes it a timeless favorite. Topped with creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or everyday enjoyment. Not only is it simple and budget-friendly, but it’s also one of the most loved recipes of carrot cake, sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 ½ cups Sugar granulated
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 3 large Eggs room temperature
  • 2 cups Carrots finely grated
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon ground
  • ½ tsp Nutmeg ground
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • ½ cup Walnuts optional chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large, for batter
  • 1 Whisk/Hand mixer For mixing ingredients
  • 1 Grater To grate carrots
  • 1 Measuring Cups For dry ingredients
  • 1 Measuring spoons For small quantities
  • 1 Spatula For folding and mixing
  • 1 Baking pan 9x13 inch or round
  • 1 Oven Preheated to 350°F/175°C

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans (or one 9x13-inch pan).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using). Batter will be thick.
  6. Pour into pans and bake 30–35 minutes (round) or 40–45 minutes (rectangular). Check with a toothpick.
  7. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
  9. Frost the cooled cake and chill before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, grate fresh carrots instead of using pre-shredded.
  • Chill cake at least 30 minutes after frosting for clean slices.
  • Can substitute half the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.