Go Back
A delicious slice of carrot cake topped with generous cream cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A classic, moist carrot cake topped with a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a proven way to achieve a delicious homemade carrot cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Carrot Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • large mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • grater
  • electric mixer (optional)
  • spatula or offset spatula

Method
 

For the Carrot Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, or lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, then fold in the grated carrots and optional pecans.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean; then let cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to high and beat until fluffy; finally, beat in the vanilla extract.
Assembly
  1. Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.

Notes

Ensure your carrots are finely grated for the best texture in the cake. Do not overmix the cake batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, as this can lead to a tough cake. For the frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.