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Delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a decorative plate
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Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This ultra-moist and fluffy carrot cake is loaded with flavor and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cake, Easy
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Cake Pans
  • Electric Mixer

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons Baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 3 cups Freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup Crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 16 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Chopped nuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  • Make a well in the center and add oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Add the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using). Stir gently by hand until everything is evenly distributed and the batter is smooth. Don’t overmix!
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish.
  • Slice generously and enjoy with a smile!

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated carrots and ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the frosting.