Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting

Here’s a classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe — moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich, tangy frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

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🥕 Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups (300g) grated carrots (freshly grated)

• ½ cup (120ml) applesauce or crushed pineapple (for moisture)

• 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup (80g) raisins (optional)

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Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in applesauce or pineapple.

4. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins.

5. Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans) or 40–45 minutes (9×13 pan), until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool: Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Directions:

1. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until desired sweetness and consistency.

3. Add Vanilla & Salt: Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.

4. Frost Cake: Once cake is completely cool, frost between layers and over the top and sides.

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Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped nuts around the sides

• Shredded coconut

• Carrot decorations (candied or piped)

Would you like this adapted for cupcakes, made gluten-free, or adjusted for another dietary need?