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Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, flavorful carrot cake loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 day 9 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots about 5 medium
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple drained
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • ½ cup raisins optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoon milk if needed

Equipment

  • 2 9-inch round cake pan

Method
 

!Prepare the Cake:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts or pecans (if using), and raisins (if using).
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
!Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
!Assemble the Cake:
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with chopped walnuts, pecans, or additional grated carrots if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.