Description

This moist and flavorful Awesome Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate classic dessert. Packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, warm spices, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration or holiday gathering. Keyword: carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
Make the Cake Batter:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger.
In a large bowl, beat oil, sugars, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
Fold in dry ingredients, then carrots, pineapple, and optional mix-ins.
Bake:
Divide batter between pans or pour into the 9×13 pan.
Bake for 30–35 mins (round pans) or 40–45 mins (9×13) until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then move to wire racks to cool completely.
Make Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until desired texture. Mix in orange zest if using.
Frost the Cake:
Frost cooled cake layers or single cake. Decorate with chopped nuts or cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Finely grate carrots for best texture.
Crushed pineapple adds extra moisture.
Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated.