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Carrot Cake
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Carrot Cake

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – your sturdy base
  • 2 tsp baking powder – for lift
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda – extra puff
  • ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon – essential cozy flavor
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg – optional but recommended
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger – gentle warmth
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – sweet but not overwhelming
  • ½ cup brown sugar – adds moisture and depth
  • 4 large eggs – room temp for best texture
  • 1 cup vegetable oil – keeps cake tender
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract – flavor booster
  • 3 cups grated carrots – the star of the show
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – optional crunch
  • ½ cup raisins – optional sweet surprise
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened – tangy luxury
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened – creamy dream
  • 3 cups powdered sugar – sweet perfection
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – because flavor matters

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prep
  • Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. Your future self will thank you.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Light mixing, no stress.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients
  • In another bowl, beat together sugar(s), eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Smells amazing already, right?
  • Combine
  • Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Overmixing = sad, dense cake.
  • Add Carrots & Optional Ingredients
  • Gently fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using. We want even distribution, not shredded carrot soup.
  • Bake
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Frosting Time
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Beat until fluffy and creamy.
  • Assemble
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly. Top with second layer and frost the top and sides. Optional: sprinkle nuts on top for extra flair.