Dreamy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sweet aromas waft through the kitchen as this classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting emerges from the oven, promising a delectable dessert that blends warmth and comfort.

Speckled with tender carrots and generously coated in silky cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers a perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside grated carrots, creating a moist and rich texture that melts in your mouth.

Each slice tells a story of homemade goodness, layered with rich flavors and creamy frosting that beckons you closer.

the combination of soft cake and tangy cream cheese creates a harmony that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe offers a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure comfort that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at Home

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven and prep cake pans by coating them with a light layer of grease and lining with soft parchment paper.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix together flour, rising agents, warm spices, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl to create a fragrant dry foundation.

• Wet Ingredient Fusion

In a separate bowl, whisk together golden oils, farm-fresh eggs, sweet sugars, fruity applesauce, and rich vanilla until smoothly combined. Fold in freshly grated carrots for natural sweetness.

• Batter Creation

Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended to keep the cake tender and light.

• Baking Process

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until a thin wooden pick comes out clean, revealing a perfectly golden cake.

• Cooling Stage

Allow cakes to rest in pans briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

• Frosting Magic

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky smooth mixture, then fold in powdered sugar and vanilla for a dreamy, cloud-like topping.

• Final Assembly

Level cake layers, spread luxurious frosting between and over the cake, and sprinkle with crunchy pecans for a delightful finish.

Useful Notes for Better Carrot Cake Baking

• Grate carrots finely to ensure a moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth without any tough carrot bits.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze up to 3 months for stress-free baking.
• Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple or swap some white sugar with maple syrup for deeper, richer sweetness that complements the warm spices.
• Replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes or omit nuts entirely for those with allergies without losing any delicious crunch or texture.
• For a lighter version, reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and add a tablespoon of milk to create a softer, less sweet cream cheese topping that still delivers incredible flavor.

Serving Carrot Cake with Style and Ease

• Rustic Picnic Delight: Pack slices of carrot cake in a charming wicker basket for an outdoor picnic, paired with fresh berries and chilled herbal tea.
• Sweet Brunch Centerpiece: Serve a generously frosted slice alongside a steaming cappuccino or mimosa, creating a decadent weekend morning treat that will impress breakfast guests.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Drizzle a light caramel sauce around the cake slice, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans, and add a small dollop of whipped cream for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the classic dessert.
• Cozy Afternoon Companion: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of spiced chai or cinnamon-infused coffee, creating a comforting and indulgent moment perfect for relaxing at home.

Storing Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Properly

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store your completed carrot cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake layers in advance and freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic film for 2-3 weeks. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting to ensure perfect texture and taste.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Remove cake from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to allow cream cheese frosting to soften and flavors to develop fully. Cold cake can taste slightly dense and less enjoyable.
• Smart Slice Separation: When storing frosted cake, place toothpicks between slices and cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from sticking together. This technique keeps each slice looking perfectly pristine and prevents messy disruption.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes into the Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structural foundation for the cake, ensuring a tender and soft crumb with perfect texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a light, airy structure.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that deliver deep, complex flavor and aromatic warmth to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness, bringing out the cake's rich flavors.

• Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness, creating a supremely soft cake texture with rich mouthfeel.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients together for a cohesive cake.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while reducing overall fat content.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Introduces deep, comforting flavor that complements the spices and carrots.

• Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute sweetness, moisture, and help create a caramelized exterior with soft interior.
• Grated Carrots: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and nutritional value while adding rustic texture to the cake.

• Brick-Style Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for the frosting with rich, luxurious texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve perfect frosting consistency.

Gear You’ll Need for Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Needed to create classic cake layers.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and quickly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy frosting.
• Grater: Used for shredding fresh carrots for the cake.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Spatula: Helps spread frosting and level cake layers.

Decadent Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting brings warmth from classic American kitchens. Moist spices and tangy frosting create a comforting dessert you’ll want to share with loved ones.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) lightly packed grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) canola or vegetable oil
• ½ cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) package brick-style cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat: Configure oven to 350°F (180°C) and outfit two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and parchment paper liners.
2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Wet Integration: Vigorously blend vegetable oil, eggs, dark brown sugar, white sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until thoroughly homogenized.
4. Carrot Incorporation: Fold grated carrots into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
5. Batter Composition: Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, stirring until just combined to preserve the cake’s delicate texture, avoiding overmixing.
6. Pan Preparation: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula for uniform baking.
7. Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean.
8. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 20-25 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete temperature equalization.
9. Frosting Creation: Whip room-temperature cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
10. Frosting Finalization: Gradually mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the butter blend, creating a silky, spreadable frosting.
11. Assembly: Level cake layers if necessary, then lavishly apply cream cheese frosting between and across the entire cake surface.
12. Garnish: Optionally adorn with chopped pecans around sides or sprinkled atop for enhanced texture and visual sophistication.

Notes

• Grate Carrots Fresh: Use freshly grated carrots for maximum moisture and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded packaged carrots that can dry out the cake.
• Prevent Overmixing: Blend wet and dry ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft cake texture and prevent tough, dense results.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially eggs and cream cheese, to create smoother batter and more consistent frosting.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test carefully; a few moist crumbs are okay, but wet batter means the cake needs more baking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg