Description
Springtime shines through this delightful Easter Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting, blending classic comfort and seasonal charm. Moist layers of spiced carrot goodness paired with silky frosting promise a memorable dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients and Produce:
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded carrots
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare baking workspace by positioning oven rack in center and heating to 350F (175C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until uniformly blended.
- Create cake batter by incorporating vegetable oil, eggs, and shredded carrots into dry mixture. Gently fold ingredients until just integrated, avoiding overmixing.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, using spatula to smooth surfaces and ensure consistent depth.
- Bake cake layers for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting toothpick into center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting achieves light, fluffy consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, generously spread frosting between layers, then cover entire cake’s top and sides with remaining frosting.
- Optional: Garnish with additional decorative elements like chopped nuts or carrot shavings if desired.
Notes
- Choose fresh, sweet carrots for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cake.
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large, chunky pieces disrupting the cake’s texture.
- Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty depth without overwhelming the delicate carrot flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and nutmeg to suit personal taste preferences, keeping the overall balance harmonious.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg