Here’s a classic Carrot Cake recipe—moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. 🥕🍰
🥕 Classic Carrot Cake
Ingredients (for 9-inch round cake)
For the Cake
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 ½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1 cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
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1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, adds moisture)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prep
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
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In a large bowl, beat sugars and oil until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine & Add Carrots
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Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
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Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple (if using).
5. Bake
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Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
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Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Frost
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
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Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Tips & Variations
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Extra moist: Add ½ cup yogurt or applesauce to the batter.
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Spices: Add ¼ tsp ground ginger or cloves for a warm flavor.
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Decoration: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or shredded coconut on top.
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Cupcakes: Bake in muffin tins for 20–25 minutes for single servings.
If you want, I can also give a “super easy one-bowl carrot cake” version that’s perfect if you want minimal cleanup and still delicious results.
Do you want me to give that version too?
