Indulge in the delicious and moist Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! This classic dessert is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a rich and flavorful cake.
- Quick and simple prep time makes this recipe perfect for busy days.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the carrot cake perfectly.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Carrot Cake:
- All-purpose flour adds structure to the cake.
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice give the cake its warm and cozy flavor.
- Buttermilk helps keep the cake moist, while grated carrots add sweetness and moisture.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting: - Cream cheese and butter create a creamy and tangy frosting.
- Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Orange and green food coloring can be used to decorate the cake, and chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture.
- Fold in grated carrots.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Helpful Tips:
- Grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture in the cake.
- Allow the cream cheese and butter to soften before making the frosting.
- For a twist, add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Sift the dry ingredients for a lighter cake texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting for a neater finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this delicious carrot cake with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful dessert. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter in the cake? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for butter in equal amounts.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
- Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making cream cheese frosting? Yes, store-bought frosting can be used as a quick alternative.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! This recipe is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and moist texture. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
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Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate carrot cake experience with this moist and flavorful dessert topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. The perfect balance of spices and sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 cups (220 g) finely grated carrots, at room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
- 2 1/2 cups (325 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Orange and green food coloring
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrot Cake: Preheat oven, mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, alternately mix dry ingredients and buttermilk, fold in carrots, bake.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream butter and cream cheese, add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until smooth, color as desired.
- Assemble the Cake: Cool cake, frost with cream cheese frosting, garnish with nuts.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- You can customize the frosting color to suit the occasion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg