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The Best Carrot Cake Recipe

Discover the best carrot cake recipe that's moist, spiced just right, and topped with cream cheese frosting. Loved by friends and neighbors—get rave reviews!
Servings 6
Author Kasey Lynch

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable or avocado oil plus more for the pans
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the pans
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 cups grated carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 12 oz cream cheese softened
  • 8 oz powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla extract measure with your heart
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the grated carrots. The mixture will be thick but that’s what makes the cake so moist.
  • Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. When you are happy with the consistency, fold in the toasted pecans.
  • Once the cakes are cool, spread a thick layer of frosting between the two layers, then frost the top and sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped and toasted pecans on top or add a light dusting of cinnamon.