Description
A soft and moist carrot cake layered with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for birthdays and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 1 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional)
- 1/2 cup sweetened toasted coconut (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper, and grease and flour the pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir in the shredded carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, canola oil, and buttermilk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whip the cream cheese until smooth, add butter and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with toasted coconut and chopped walnuts. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before baking for best texture. Can substitute frosting or add raisins/pineapple for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: carrot cake, dessert, cream cheese frosting, birthday cake, festive cake