Description
This The Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich and moist dessert that brings together the perfect balance of cinnamon, pineapple, and walnuts, topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for cozy winter afternoons, holidays, or any occasion, this cake is a delicious comfort food that will impress your guests with its homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda/bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or mixed nuts
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 cup cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes, then stir in raisins (if using).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pineapple until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully absorbed.
- Stir in the carrot mixture and walnuts (or mixed nuts).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. Once completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.
- To make the cream cheese frosting: Beat the room temperature cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Sandwich the cake layers together with some frosting and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, you can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
- The raisins are optional but add a nice touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- If you like extra frosting, feel free to double the cream cheese frosting recipe!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
