Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a classic dessert that combines moist and flavorful carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese topping. This recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and friends with its simple yet delicious taste.Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who love a moist and spiced carrot cake paired with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for any occasion, from birthday parties to afternoon tea gatherings.

How to Make Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour


• 1 tsp baking powder


• 1 tsp cinnamon


• 1/2 tsp ginger


• 1/4 tsp nutmeg


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 3 eggs


• 1 cup granulated sugar


• 1 cup vegetable oil


• 2 tsp vanilla extract


• 3 carrots – grated


• 1/2 cup raisins


• 1/2 cup crushed pecans


• 4 oz cream cheese – softened


• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tbsp softened)


• 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar


• 1 tsp heavy cream or milk


• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.


2. Prepare a 9×5 loaf pan by coating with a non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper.


3. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.


4. In a large bowl, mix eggs and sugar, then add oil and vanilla. Combine well.


5. Stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in carrots, raisins, and pecans.


6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes.


7. Cool the cake for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.


8. Mix all frosting ingredients in a mixer until smooth. Adjust consistency with extra cream or milk.


9. Frost the cooled cake and top with extra pecans.

How to Serve Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve slices of this delicious carrot cake as a dessert after dinner, as a sweet treat for brunch, or alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Grate the carrots just before incorporating them into the batter for optimal freshness and moisture.


• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.


• Feel free to add other mix-ins like shredded coconut or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Variation (If Any)

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add pineapple chunks for a tropical touch to the carrot cake batter. The juicy sweetness of pineapple adds a unique flavor dimension to the cake.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or canola oil as alternatives.


2. Can I omit the raisins from the recipe? Of course, feel free to exclude the raisins if you prefer a carrot cake without them.


3. How can I prevent my cream cheese frosting from becoming too runny? Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing, and gradually add the powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.