Carrot cake is a beloved dessert that combines the comforting flavors of spiced cake with the natural sweetness of carrots. This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. The moist and tender cake is enhanced by the addition of walnuts and raisins, and it’s beautifully complemented by a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a special treat for yourself, this carrot cake is sure to be a hit.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per Serving
Each slice of this delicious carrot cake provides approximately 350 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The cake is also a good source of fiber thanks to the grated carrots and nuts.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 3/4 cups |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Grated carrots | 2 cups (about 4 medium carrots) |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1 cup |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs and oil together until well mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
This carrot cake is best served with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. You can also top it with a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Tips and Notes
- For a moister cake, you can add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple or applesauce to the batter.
- If you prefer a smoother topping, you can use a piping bag to spread the frosting evenly over the cake.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
