Classic Carrot Cake – recipesmakerr

Carrot cake is a moist, spiced cake loaded with grated carrots and often topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, tea time, or dessert, this cake balances natural sweetness from carrots with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Servings: 8–10

🍳 EQUIPMENT

9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Grater for carrots
Measuring cups & spoons

🧾 INGREDIENTS

For the cake:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups grated carrots
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Carrots: Grate finely for even texture and sweetness.
Pineapple: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness.
Nuts: Optional, adds crunch and flavor.
Frosting: Cream cheese frosting complements the spiced cake perfectly.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and flour your cake pan.

2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3️⃣ Mix wet ingredients

In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine batter

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts if using.

5️⃣ Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

6️⃣ Make frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.

7️⃣ Frost and serve

Spread frosting over cooled cake. Garnish with chopped nuts or carrot shreds if desired. Slice and serve.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT CARROT CAKE

✔ Grate carrots finely for even baking
✔ Don’t overmix batter — keeps cake tender
✔ Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting
✔ Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor
✔ Add a little pineapple or applesauce for moistness