Print

Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

The Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is soft, spiced, and incredibly moist with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. A timeless dessert everyone loves.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Cake:

4 large eggs, room temperature

2 cups sugar

1 cup canola oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

23 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

23 tablespoons 2% milk

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Optional Decoration:

Orange and green food coloring

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and oil until well combined.

In another bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine the Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, about one-third at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.

Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.

Bake the Cake

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Divide the batter evenly between the pans.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar.

Add 2–3 tablespoons milk until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Stir in chopped walnuts if desired.

Assemble the Cake

Spread frosting on top of the first cake layer.

Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Optional Decoration

Reserve 1/2 cup frosting and divide it into two portions.

Tint one portion orange and the other green using food coloring.

Pipe small carrot shapes on top of the cake for decoration.

Storage

Store the carrot cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately. Keep leftovers refrigerated.

Notes

For a lighter option, replace some or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Optional mix-ins include raisins, shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, or chopped nuts.

Ensure cake layers are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.