Spiced Carrot Cake Cream Cheese (Printer-Friendly)
Moist carrot cake seasoned with warm spices and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5–6 medium carrots)
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually until just combined.
05 - Gently fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
08 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over one cake layer, place second layer on top, then frost top and sides. For sheet cake, frost top generously.
10 - Optionally garnish with nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Slice and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its moist texture combined with a tangy cream cheese frosting feels like a secret indulgence you want to share just with close friends
- The balance of warm spices and natural sweetness made it my go-to dessert for any gathering or quiet night in
02 -
- Don't overmix the batter — it's tempting to get it perfectly smooth but it makes a difference in the cake's texture
- Using room temperature ingredients means your frosting whips up silky and light without lumps
03 -
- Grate your carrots finely using the small side of a box grater for the best texture
- Adding a pinch of salt to the frosting balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop