Description
This moist and flavorful carrot cake features grated carrots and a homemade cream cheese frosting. It's easy to prepare and includes optional chopped pecans for added texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy dessert treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans (Optional)
Frosting:
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (Optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Pan: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the white sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots thoroughly, then gently fold in the chopped pecans if using.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the confectioners' sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add Pecans to Frosting: Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans into the frosting mixture if desired.
- Frost Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Ensure the cake is fully covered for the best flavor and presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the moist, flavorful carrot cake with the rich, creamy frosting!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Chopped pecans are optional in both the batter and frosting but add a lovely texture and flavor.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but this recipe balances sweetness well.
- Storing the cake in the refrigerator is recommended due to the cream cheese frosting; it can be kept covered for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
