Name: Carrot Cake Recipe: Moist and Spiced
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla; 3 cups grated carrots; 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 1/2 cup pecans (optional); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 1-2 tbsp milk; Optional: Pecans (carrot curls); Suggested Pairings: Coffee (ice cream)

Introduction

Carrot Cake is a beloved dessert known for its moist, spiced crumb studded with sweet carrots and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or cozy gatherings. This classic cake balances warm spices with a rich, creamy finish, offering a comforting yet elegant treat. Its aesthetic appeal shines through golden layers slathered with silky frosting, served on a white cake stand, garnished with chopped pecans or delicate carrot curls for a rustic, inviting look. This recipe delivers a traditional Carrot Cake, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served at room temperature for a tender, flavorful experience.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

For Serving:

Optional: Chopped pecans or carrot curls (for garnish)
Suggested Accompaniments: Ice cream or whipped cream
Suggested Pairings: Coffee, tea, iced coffee
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white plate for an elegant look
Suggested Equipment: 2×9-inch round baking sheets, grater, electric mixer

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, grated carrots, and crushed pineapple. Fold in nuts if using.g
Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (about 1 hour)
Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated, then on medium until smooth. Add vanilla and 1 tbsp milk; beat until spreadable, adding more milk if needed.
Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a white cake stand. Spread 1 cup frosting evenly over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula. Garnish with chopped pecans or carrot curls.s
Serve: Slice into 12 wedges and serve at room temperature with coffee and ice cream for an elegant aesthetic. Store leftovers in the fridge.

Tips for Better Carrot Cake

Grate carrots finely by hand for a moist texture; avoid pre-shredded carrots, which are too dry.
Drain the pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the batter
Measure flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling off to avoid a dense cake
Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding layers
Soften cream cheese and butter for 30 minutes for smooth frosting; don’t overbeat, as it can become runny
Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Adjust spices to taste; add 1/4 tsp ginger for extra warmth
Enhance aesthetic: Create carrot curls with a vegetable peeler and arrange in a spiral on top for a delicate, rustic look

Storage and Serving Tips

Store unfrosted cakes wrapped in plastic at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for 3 days
Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving
Freeze unfrosted layers, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge and frost before serving
Freeze frosted slices in a single layer, then wrap individually for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture; cold cake is denser
Use leftovers as a trifle base with whipped cream and fruit
Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage
Present on a white cake stand to highlight the layers; garnish with pecans pressed into the sides for a textured, elegant vibe

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings (1 slice each, with frosting):

Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 64g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 48g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 80% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional nuts. This cake is high in calories and sugar from frosting, with vitamins from carrots. For dietary needs, try vegan or gluten-free variations. Pair with light beverages for balance.

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake recipe delivers a moist, spiced dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or cozy treats, transforming simple ingredients into a classic favorite. Its straightforward preparation and elegant presentation make it a go-to for home bakers. The tender crumb and creamy frosting, accented with rustic garnishes, create a delightful combination. This recipe is sure to become a cherished staple, loved for its warm flavors and inviting aesthetic.