Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here is a  Carrot Cake recipe—moist, flavorful, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It includes step-by-step instructions and baking tips to ensure success.

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🥕 Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

📋 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)

• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups (300g) grated carrots

• 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup (100g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional, adds moisture)

• ½ cup (80g) raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

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🧁 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the pans and oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.

🔹 Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cloves (if using)

Set aside.

🔹 Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:

1. Beat together the eggs, sugars, vanilla, and oil until smooth and light.

2. Stir in the grated carrots.

3. Fold in optional add-ins: pineapple, nuts, raisins, or coconut.

🔹 Step 4: Combine wet and dry

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

2. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

🔹 Step 5: Bake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

3. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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🎂 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add vanilla and salt.

3. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until desired sweetness and thickness.

4. Add a splash of milk or cream if too thick.

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🎉 Assembly Tips

1. Level the cake layers if needed.

2. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake round.

3. Place the second cake on top, then frost the top and sides.

4. Decorate with extra chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or carrot shavings.

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🧊 Storage

• Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Bring to room temperature before serving.

• Can be frozen (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months.