Spiced Carrot Cake Cream (Printable Version)
Moist carrot cake infused with warm spices and smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Carrot Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 g)
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
10 - ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100 g)
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups grated carrots (330 g, about 4-5 medium carrots)
15 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (60 g), optional
16 - ½ cup raisins (80 g), optional
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225 g)
18 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
19 - 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted (300 g)
20 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
03 - In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
05 - Fold in grated carrots and, if desired, chopped nuts and raisins.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the surface.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Spread frosting on top of one cooled cake layer. Place second layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
11 - Garnish with extra nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon as desired. Slice and serve.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The crumb stays incredibly tender even days later, making it perfect for baking ahead of celebrations.
- The spice blend is balanced enough that it doesn't overpower, just whispers warmth through every bite.
- Cream cheese frosting cuts through the sweetness with just enough tang to make you reach for another slice.
02 -
- Overcooking is the enemy here—a toothpick with a crumb or two is perfect; a completely clean one means you've gone too far.
- The cakes must be completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off, and that's a mess you won't enjoy fixing.
- Don't skip sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting; it makes a difference in texture that you can actually taste.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients beat together more smoothly—take the eggs, cream cheese, and butter out of the fridge about an hour before baking.
- Fresh grated carrots make a noticeable difference in flavor over pre-shredded ones; the effort is worth it.