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Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting topped with walnuts and spices

Carrot Cake

This moist carrot cake is simple to make and topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup Light brown sugar Adds deeper flavor
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1 pinch Ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup Neutral oil (canola or vegetable) Keeps the cake moist
  • 4 large Large eggs Room temperature for better mixing
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups Freshly grated carrots, packed Finely grated for texture
  • 1 cup Crushed pineapple (optional) Add for extra moisture, drained well
  • 1 cup Shredded coconut (optional) Well drained
  • 1 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Toast for better flavor
  • 1 cup Raisins (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment for easy release.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mixing and Baking
  1. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until no dry flour remains. It’s okay if the batter looks slightly lumpy.
  2. Fold in the grated carrots and any optional mix-ins.
  3. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 28 to 34 minutes, until centers are set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter. Don’t overbake to prevent dryness.