Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless classic, blending warm cinnamon, soft vanilla, and fresh shredded carrots into a beautifully moist cake. Topped with a cloud-like cream cheese frosting, this dessert is both indulgent and light, making it a favorite for any occasion. The balance of sweetness, spice, and texture ensures every bite is unforgettable.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply a weekend baking session, this cake comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch, while the delicate cream cheese frosting complements the soft cake layers beautifully. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, tea, or on its own, this carrot cake will leave you craving another slice!

Full Recipe:

For the Cake:

1 cup (200g) white sugar
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
3 large eggs

3/4 cup (170ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups (5 medium) shredded carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

14 oz (400g) full-fat cream cheese
1 ¼ cup (300ml) heavy whipping cream (36% fat content)
1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (55g) toasted and chopped pecans or walnuts for decoration
8 ready-made candy or white chocolate decorative carrots

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and dust them with flour.
In a large mixing bowl, beat both sugars, eggs, and oil until well combined (about 1 minute).

Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the shredded carrots with a spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While cakes cool, toast the nuts in a dry pan until fragrant, then chop roughly.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Separately, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cream cheese mixture.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread ¼ of the frosting over it.

Add the second cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Press chopped nuts into the sides and decorate with candy carrots.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 563 kcal per serving | Servings: 10

The Ultimate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and casual gatherings. Unlike many other cakes, carrot cake offers a rich depth of flavor thanks to the natural sweetness of carrots and the warmth of cinnamon. The addition of a light, fluffy, and not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting makes this recipe a standout.

The History of Carrot Cake

Carrot cake has a long and fascinating history. The use of carrots in desserts dates back to medieval times when sugar and sweeteners were expensive and difficult to obtain. People discovered that carrots, which contain natural sugars, could be used as a substitute, leading to the creation of early carrot-based desserts.

The modern version of carrot cake, as we know it today, became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. It gained widespread recognition in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly when home bakers and professional chefs alike started to appreciate the unique flavor and texture that grated carrots brought to cakes. Over time, variations of the classic carrot cake emerged, with some recipes incorporating raisins, pineapple, coconut, or nuts.

Why This Carrot Cake Recipe Stands Out

What makes this carrot cake recipe truly special is its simplicity and the balance of flavors. Many carrot cakes can be overly dense or too sweet, but this version has the perfect texture—light, moist, and flavorful without being overpowering.

Here are a few reasons why this carrot cake recipe is a must-try:

Moisture and Texture: The carrots add natural moisture, ensuring the cake remains soft and tender. Unlike some cakes that dry out quickly, this one stays fresh for days.

Balanced Sweetness: A mix of white and brown sugar provides the right level of sweetness while enhancing the cake’s depth of flavor.
Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla infuses warmth into every bite, making it an ideal dessert for any season.
Lighter Frosting: Traditional cream cheese frosting often includes butter, making it overly rich. This recipe replaces butter with heavy whipping cream, resulting in a fluffier and lighter frosting that complements the cake rather than overwhelming it.

Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or special equipment are required—just mix, bake, and frost!

Tips for Making the Best Carrot Cake

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can help you achieve the best results:

Use Fresh Carrots: Always use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded ones from the store. Pre-packaged shredded carrots tend to be dry and lack the moisture needed for a perfect carrot cake.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix the ingredients just until combined to ensure a light and tender crumb.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cake dry.
Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor: If you’re adding pecans or walnuts as decoration, toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch.

Let the Cake Cool Before Frosting: Applying frosting to a warm cake will cause it to melt and become runny. Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.

The Secret to Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is one of the key elements that make carrot cake irresistible. Many traditional recipes use butter, but this version relies on heavy whipping cream instead. This simple swap makes the frosting lighter, less greasy, and easier to work with.

To ensure your frosting turns out perfect:

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Lower-fat versions contain more water, which can lead to a runny frosting.
Whip the Cream Separately: Whipping the heavy cream before folding it into the cream cheese mixture creates a stable, fluffy texture.
Don’t Overbeat: Overmixing can break down the frosting, making it too soft to hold its shape. Mix just until everything is well combined.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Carrot cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine and the frosting to remain soft and creamy. However, since it contains dairy in the frosting, it should be stored in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few hours.

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften.
Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted carrot cake layers for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Make-Ahead Option: The cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted just before serving for the freshest taste.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe keeps things classic, there are plenty of ways to customize your carrot cake to suit your taste:

Add Nuts: If you love extra crunch, fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.

Include Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds extra moisture and a slight tanginess.
Mix in Coconut: Shredded coconut enhances the texture and provides a tropical twist.
Use Different Spices: While cinnamon is the go-to spice, a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can enhance the flavor profile.

Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

When to Serve Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is incredibly versatile and works for a variety of occasions:

Easter Celebrations: A favorite holiday dessert that pairs beautifully with springtime meals.

Birthdays and Anniversaries: Perfect for those who prefer spiced cakes over traditional vanilla or chocolate.
Holiday Gatherings: A warm and cozy dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Casual Treat: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

Conclusion

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a timeless dessert that appeals to all ages. The combination of moist, spiced cake and silky frosting makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. What sets this recipe apart is its balance of flavors, simplicity, and the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just as a treat for yourself, this carrot cake is sure to impress. Its light yet rich texture, combined with the fluffy cream cheese frosting, guarantees that every bite is a delight. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why carrot cake remains one of the most beloved desserts of all time!