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Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe

Homemade Carrot Cake

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This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a rich blend of carrots, crushed pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a show-stopper that everyone will love.

  • Author: Sarah Tag
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 cups (200g) finely grated carrots

1 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained

½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

34 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

To Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional lemon juice for extra flavor.

To Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
  2. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
  3. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots, if desired.

Notes

  • For extra moistness, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-packaged ones.
  • Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
  • The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before using.
  • Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

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