Welcome to the delightful world of carrot cake, where the warmth of spices, the sweetness of grated carrots, and the richness of cream cheese frosting come together to create a truly indulgent treat. This classic dessert has won the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide, and for a good reason – its moist and tender crumb, along with the delightful combination of flavors, makes it an irresistible favorite.
Hailing from a long culinary history, carrot cake’s origins can be traced back to medieval times when sweeteners were scarce, and carrots provided a natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. Over time, this humble vegetable cake evolved into the modern carrot cake we know and love today.
In this delightful recipe, grated carrots add a delightful earthy sweetness to the cake, complemented by the subtle tang of crushed pineapple and the crunch of chopped nuts. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg lend a comforting aroma, making every bite a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.
Topped with a velvety layer of cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is elevated to pure decadence. The creamy frosting beautifully balances the cake’s flavors, providing a luscious contrast that leaves taste buds dancing with joy.
Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or as a delightful treat for any day, carrot cake holds a special place in the hearts of bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this timeless recipe promises to be a delightful journey of flavors and a cherished addition to your repertoire of homemade desserts.
So, prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible allure of carrot cake – a dessert that celebrates the harmony of natural ingredients and the joy of sharing a sweet moment with loved ones. Join us as we embark on this culinary adventure and discover the magic that awaits within each moist and flavorful slice of carrot cake.
carrot cake recipe
Course: Cake8
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesIndulge in the heavenly charm of carrot cake, where grated carrots and warm spices create a symphony of flavors in every bite. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this delightful treat is a perfect fusion of sweetness and richness, making it an irresistible favorite for all dessert enthusiasts. Get ready to savor the joy of this classic recipe that captures the essence of comfort and delight in each moist and delicious slice.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting (see recipe below)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch rectangular baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the carrot cake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes (for round pan) or 35-40 minutes (for rectangular pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth. - Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Slice and serve the delicious carrot cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Notes
- Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor. You can grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment.
- Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds moisture and a subtle tropical flavor to the cake. Make sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the batter to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.
- Nuts (Optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the carrot cake. If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit them without affecting the overall texture of the cake.
- Mixing the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Baking Time: The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the cake pan used. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with the carrot cake. Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened before making the frosting for a smooth texture. If the frosting is too soft, you can refrigerate it briefly to firm it up before spreading it on the cake.
- Storage: Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cream cheese frosting can soften at room temperature, so it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled cake.
- Variations: Carrot cake is versatile, and you can add other ingredients like raisins, coconut flakes, or even shredded apples for different flavors and textures.
- Serving: Carrot cake is a delightful dessert on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of grating them myself?
While pre-shredded carrots are convenient, freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded carrots may have a different moisture content and can affect the overall outcome of the cake.
Can I make carrot cake without nuts?
Yes, absolutely! Nuts are optional in the carrot cake recipe. If you have allergies or simply prefer a nut-free version, you can omit them without altering the overall texture of the cake.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral-flavored oils like canola oil or sunflower oil as a substitute for vegetable oil in the recipe. Avoid using strong-tasting oils like olive oil, as they may affect the cake’s flavor.
How should I store leftover carrot cake?
Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting can soften at room temperature, so it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated.
Can I freeze carrot cake?
Yes, you can freeze carrot cake. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For frosted cakes, it’s best to freeze them without the frosting and add the frosting after thawing.
How long will carrot cake stay fresh?
Carrot cake will stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have frosted the cake, it’s best to consume it within a few days.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled cake.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the cake. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can yield a denser texture compared to all-purpose flour. You can also use a combination of both flours for a balanced result.
Can I add raisins to the carrot cake?
Yes, you can add raisins to the carrot cake for additional sweetness and texture. Soak the raisins in warm water or orange juice for a few minutes before adding them to the batter to plump them up.
Is carrot cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the carrot cake recipe provided is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not include any meat or animal-derived ingredients.
Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious carrot cake! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
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