Moist Spiced Carrot Cake (Print)

Spiced carrot cake with creamy frosting and crunchy walnuts, ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1 cup vegetable oil
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
11 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

13 - 3 cups carrots, finely grated
14 - 1 cup walnuts, chopped
15 - 3/4 cup raisins (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the batter is cohesive, ensuring not to overwork.
05 - Gently fold in finely grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins if using. Ensure even distribution.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
07 - Place pans in oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, cakes are done. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool fully.
08 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; blend until smooth and airy.
09 - Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Add second layer and cover top and sides with remaining frosting. Garnish with extra walnuts if desired.
10 - Refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set frosting before slicing and serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Always comes out moist and tender thanks to grated carrots and oil
  • Perfect balance of spices that never overwhelms
  • Cream cheese frosting is rich yet tangy
  • Adaptable as a layer cake or a sheet cake
  • Decorates beautifully with extra nuts or carrot curls
02 -
  • Loaded with carrots for naturally sweet nutrition
  • Frosting holds up well even at room temperature for gatherings
  • Stays moist for several days thanks to oil and grated carrots
  • High in fiber from carrots and nuts
03 -
  • Sifting powdered sugar ensures your frosting is silky
  • Beat the frosting on medium until it looks almost whipped
  • Let cakes cool fully to avoid melting the frosting
  • A box grater gives the best carrot texture (food processors tend to make them too watery)
  • Always check your cake after forty minutes since oven temps can vary
  • Use parchment paper to guarantee clean release from the pans

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