Carrot cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with grated carrots, often paired with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its origins are thought to be traced back to medieval Europe, where sugar and sweeteners were scarce, and carrots were used as a natural sweetener. Over time, carrot cake evolved into the decadent dessert we know today, often topped with creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting.
A classic carrot cake strikes a balance between sweetness and the earthiness of the carrots, and it can include add-ins like nuts, raisins, or pineapple for extra flavor and texture. Whether for celebrations or casual treats, carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (300g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup (75g) raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans or one 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Incorporate Carrots: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Stir in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins, if using.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes (round pans) or 40-45 minutes (9×13 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, frost and assemble them.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Let me know if you want tips on decoration or ingredient swaps, Ad Me!
