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5.0 from 6 votes

Best Carrot Cake Recipe

Featuring moist layers with a hint of spice topped off with a classic cream cheese frosting, this is truly the Best Carrot Cake Recipe. Simple, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Chill & Decorating Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 864 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts plus extra for decorating
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix oil and eggs until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts.
  5. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through if needed.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and well combined.
Assembling and Decorating:
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level off the tops, ensuring an even surface.
  2. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one leveled cake layer.
  3. Place the second-level cake layer on top, creating a sandwich.
  4. Frost the entire cake with a thin “crumb layer” and place the cake into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Doing this will help keep the final layer of frosting smooth.
  5. After the cake has chilled, frost the entire cake using the remaining cream cheese frosting, ensuring a thick layer.
  6. Decorate the sides with additional chopped walnuts, and get creative with designs on top using any leftover frosting.

Nutrition Information

Calories 864kcal (43%) Carbohydrates 97g (32%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 51g (78%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Polyunsaturated Fat 14g Monounsaturated Fat 12g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 133mg (44%) Sodium 306mg (13%) Potassium 261mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 78g (156%) Vitamin A 4630IU (93%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 98mg (10%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 864

% Daily Value*

Calories 864kcal 43%
Carbohydrates 97g 32%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 51g 78%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14g 82%
Monounsaturated Fat 12g 60%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 133mg 44%
Sodium 306mg 13%
Potassium 261mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 78g 156%
Vitamin A 4630IU 93%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 98mg 10%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.