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–+ servings

The Ultimate Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This carrot cake recipe creates an incredibly tender and moist cake with a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter celebrations or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dessert!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 575
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots about 4-5 medium carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple drained (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil, beating until well blended.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts or pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  10. For the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  12. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  13. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 5gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 347mgFiber: 2gSugar: 50g
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