Description
A moist and indulgent carrot cake recipe inspired by The Cheesecake Factory, featuring rich cream cheese frosting and warm spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (about 200g) grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, room temperature (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugars until slightly thickened. Add oil, sour cream, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined—don’t overmix. Then fold in grated carrots, drained pineapple, nuts, and raisins.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add vanilla and salt, then gradually add powdered sugar until you reach desired sweetness and thickness.
- Stack and frost the cooled layers, crumb-coat first if you want a cleaner finish, then finish with a thick final layer and a scattering of nuts.
Notes
Use oil for moisture and don’t skip the sour cream for added tang. Grate carrots by hand for better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg