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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced carrot cake layered with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Packed with shredded carrots, warming spices, and optional crushed pineapple and walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For The Cake
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained optional but recommended
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in shredded carrots and drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely.
  8. To prepare the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  9. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped walnuts.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture. Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. Store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.