Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 3 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt for frosting
Instructions
Creating the Best Homemade Carrot Cake With Creamy Cheese Frosting is easy when you follow these steps carefully:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the oil. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
5. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
9. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, take one layer and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
10. Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top or pipe additional frosting for an elegant finish.
Following these steps will yield a moist, flavorful cake surrounded by luscious cream cheese frosting that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 4g