Carrot Cake Recipe – A Classic Winter Dessert For Try At Home!
Carrot Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The cake is moist, rich, and layered with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements its flavors.
How to make it? shred fresh carrots, mix the batter, bake until golden, and frost it with creamy goodness.
Lets get the full recipe below.
How to Make Carrot Cake At Home Without Any Hassle
Lets go for the full recipe.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake
Here’s everything you need to bake this scrumptious cake from scratch.
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and free of lumps.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
The mixture should be well-combined, with no streaks of egg or oil remaining.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Once the batter is smooth, stir in the grated carrots and, if desired, the chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
5. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
7. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of grated carrots for a beautiful finish.
Tips for a Perfect Carrot Cake
- Grate Fresh Carrots: Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded carrots as they tend to be dry.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
- Customize the Add-Ins: Add raisins, shredded coconut, or pineapple chunks for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storing the Cake
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Its Tasty, Believe Me!
Let’s enjoy this classic Carrot Cake recipe that’s packed with flavor and texture! And share your taste with us.