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Cozy Carrot Cake Layer Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

cozy carrot cake layer cake - featured image
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A moist and tender carrot cake layered with smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for gatherings and easy to make in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or light olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 3 cups (about 300g) finely grated carrots
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, toasted)
  • ½ cup (80g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
  3. In another large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently with a rubber spatula. Fold in grated carrots, nuts (if using), and crushed pineapple. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans, filling each about ¾ full. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Chill if too soft.
  9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place second layer over it and frost top and sides evenly.
  10. Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for best texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cake. Use softened cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting. Toast nuts for extra flavor. Chill cake before slicing for clean cuts. Pineapple adds moisture and subtle sweetness but can be substituted or omitted.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, layer cake, moist carrot cake, homemade frosting, quick dessert

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cozy-carrot-cake-layer-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-frosting/