Description
A deliciously moist homemade carrot cake topped with creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (light brown preferred)
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (about 3–4 medium) grated carrots (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
- In another bowl, beat brown sugar with vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple if using. Do not overmix.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, folding gently until just incorporated. Batter will be thick and sticky.
- Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes for 9×13 inch pan or 30-35 minutes for two 8-inch pans. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Chill in fridge for 30 minutes if firmer frosting is desired.
Notes
- Light brown sugar gives the best flavor, but you can use dark brown sugar if desired.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Can substitute other nuts or omit them entirely based on preference.
- Frosting can be adjusted by adding more or less sugar depending on sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg