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Best Carrot Cake Ever

A moist and flavorful carrot cake with warm spices and rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration or sweet indulgence.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots Freshly grated for best texture.
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained Optional.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream Optional, for consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together oil and eggs until smooth.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
Assembly
  1. To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, repeat with the second layer, and cover the final layer with frosting.
  2. Garnish with more nuts or shredded carrots if desired.
  3. Enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture. If you want even more flavor, add raisins or coconut to the batter. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Don't overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a light cake. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.