Description
A moist and tender carrot cake topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or crushed pineapple (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans, or one 9×13 pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to blend.
- Mix sugars and wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry. Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in carrots and add-ins. Stir in the grated carrots and nuts or raisins if using.
- Divide and bake. Pour batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes for rounds or 35–40 minutes for a 9×13. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Cool completely. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Beat briefly to combine.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. If it gets too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time.
- Chill briefly if needed before spreading.
Notes
Use fresh carrots and room temperature cream cheese for best results. Measure flour accurately to avoid a dry cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg