Classic Carrot Cake Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Classic Carrot Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Moist and Spiced Treat

Are you ready to bake the perfect classic carrot cake? This recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb bursting with warm spices and perfectly balanced sweetness. Forget those dry, disappointing carrot cakes of the past – this one's a winner!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create an exceptional cake. Make sure to grab these before you start:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly moist and delicious carrot cake:

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well blended.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Carrots & Nuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling Your Carrot Cake Masterpiece:

1. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

Tips for Carrot Cake Success:

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of your cake.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is done.
• Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions:

This classic carrot cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. It's also a delightful dessert to share with friends and family.

This detailed guide provides you with everything you need to bake a delicious and moist carrot cake. Happy baking!