Homemade Carrot Cake

Delight your senses with the heavenly aroma and moist texture of our Homemade Carrot Cake recipe. Bursting with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and warm spices, this classic dessert is a beloved treat for any occasion. Topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of baking this timeless favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 6-7 medium carrots)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Making the Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the grated carrots, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until well incorporated.
3. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Stack the Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer. Press down gently to secure it in place.
3. Frost the Top and Sides: Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Decorate (Optional): For a decorative touch, garnish the top of the cake with additional grated carrots or chopped nuts, if desired.
5. Chill and Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the frosting set and makes for easier slicing.

Cook’s Notes:

• Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
• For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped walnuts or pecans from the cake batter and frosting.
• To make cupcakes instead of a layer cake, divide the batter evenly among lined muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations:

• Add Raisins or Pineapple: For added sweetness and texture, consider adding 1/2 cup of raisins or crushed pineapple to the cake batter.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or cloves for a more complex flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this carrot cake.

2. How should I store leftover cake? Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I make the cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling the cake.

4. Can I use pre-shredded carrots? While fresh grated carrots are preferred for optimal texture and flavor, you can use pre-shredded carrots as a time-saving option. Just make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the batter.

5. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake? Certainly! You can double the ingredients to make a larger cake, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Use a larger cake pan or divide the batter among