Go Back
A delicious slice of carrot cake topped with generous cream cheese frosting.

Proven way to grow delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe guides you through baking a delicious carrot cake from scratch, topped with a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • two 9-inch round cake pans
  • medium bowl
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • electric mixer
  • wire rack

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembly
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or carrot shavings if desired before serving.

Notes

For best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and lump-free consistency. You can store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.