Description
A delightfully moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (about 3-4 medium) grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Mix the brown sugar with the vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple if using.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture slowly, folding gently until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan or 30-35 minutes for two 8-inch pans.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, almond flour is a fantastic substitute. Customize by adding walnuts or crushed pineapple for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American