Skip to content
Home » Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe





Moist and Delicious Carrot Cake Recipe

Description

This Moist and Delicious Carrot Cake recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors. Featuring fresh grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is incredibly moist and full of flavor. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat any time, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In another large bowl, beat the eggs and oil until well blended.
    • Add the grated carrots, chopped nuts, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
    • Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the Batter:
    • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Mix in the vanilla extract.
    • If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Frost the Cake:
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
    • Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
    • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  2. Decorate:
    • Optionally, decorate the cake with additional chopped nuts or carrot decorations made from fondant or marzipan.
  3. Chill:
    • Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Tips and Variations for Carrot Cake Recipe

Tips for the Best Carrot Cake

  • Grate Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best texture and moisture for the cake.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for easier mixing and better consistency.
  • Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
  • Use High-Quality Spices: Fresh, high-quality spices will make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Variations

  • Carrot Cake Cupcakes:
    • Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
  • Add Raisins or Coconut:
    • Fold in 1/2 cup of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Citrus Twist:
    • Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter and frosting for a refreshing citrus note.
  • Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
    • Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a delightful maple flavor.
  • Vegan Carrot Cake:
    • Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Carrot Cake Recipe

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling and Frosting Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 2 hours

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Carrot Cake Recipe

Origins of Carrot Cake

Carrot cake has its origins in the Middle Ages when sugar and other sweeteners were scarce and expensive. Carrots, being naturally sweet, were used as a substitute. The modern carrot cake, as we know it, gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, partly due to the health food movement, which promoted the use of natural ingredients.

Cultural Significance

Carrot cake is enjoyed around the world and has various regional adaptations. In the United Kingdom, it often includes walnuts and is topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. In Switzerland, carrot cake (known as “Rüblitorte”) is a traditional treat often enjoyed at Easter. In the United States, it’s a beloved dessert that is commonly found at potlucks, family gatherings, and bakeries.

Interesting Facts – Carrot Cake Recipe

  • Carrot Pudding: The precursor to carrot cake was likely a type of carrot pudding enjoyed in the Middle Ages. These puddings were made by boiling carrots with sugar, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs.
  • War Rationing: Carrot cake saw a resurgence during World War II due to rationing. Carrots were used as a sweetener in place of scarce ingredients like sugar.
  • Health Benefits: While carrot cake is still a dessert, the carrots add nutritional value, including beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.

Modern Uses

Today, carrot cake is a versatile dessert enjoyed in various forms. From traditional layer cakes to cupcakes and even raw, vegan versions, carrot cake can be adapted to fit different dietary preferences and occasions. The combination of moist, spiced cake and creamy frosting remains a timeless favorite.