Classic Carrot Cake Made from Scratch with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get ready to bake the ultimate, best carrot cake! This delightful simple carrot cake recipe features wholesome carrots paired with a sweet and tangy frosting, creating a delicious treat you won’t be able to resist. Whether you choose to make it as carrot bars or a classic cake, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Servings 16 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups carrots grated
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup raisins optional
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans plus more for decorating
Instructions
Carrot Cake
- Start by mixing grated carrots with some brown sugar in a medium bowl. Let that delightful combo sit for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir in raisins if using.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. You can choose to bake in a 9×13 inch pan for bars or go for two 10-inch round cake pans for a stunning layered look. Don’t forget to grease and flour your pans!
- Begin by beating some eggs in a large bowl until they’re nice and light in color. Next, gradually mix in white sugar, oil, and a splash of vanilla extract. Finally, stir in some crushed pineapple for that extra moisture and flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture until everything is well combined.
- Gently fold in the carrot mixture and chopped walnuts, then divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake your cake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this should take about 45 to 50 minutes.Once it’s done, let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. After that, gently remove the cake and allow it to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Whip up some delicious cream cheese frosting! Just mix together softened butter, cream cheese, a splash of vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until it’s perfectly smooth.
- Frost the cake and top with additional pipped carrots and/or nuts for a special touch. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.