Ingredients
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- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups freshly grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, and if using, nuts and pineapple.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Level the cake layers if needed. Frost the top of each layer, stack, and apply a crumb coat. Chill, then finish frosting and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and texture.
- You can make this recipe into cupcakes—reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg