Welcome to my kitchen, food enthusiasts! Today, I have an extraordinary treat for you – Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake. This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a time-tested favorite, and it’s sure to become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire. If you’ve been searching for a carrot cake recipe that’s not only delicious but also easy to follow, your quest ends here. In this post, I’ll walk you through each step of making this delectable cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to help you create a mouthwatering carrot cake that will impress your friends and family.
| Servings | Cooking Time | CALORIES |
| 12 | 55mins | 350 per serving |
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who appreciates the delightful combination of sweet and slightly spiced flavors. It’s for those who want to impress their loved ones with a homemade dessert that’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia. Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake is great for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a weekend baking project. The cake’s moistness and flavor deepen as it sits, making it an excellent choice for preparing in advance.
Why It’s Great
There are several reasons why Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake is a must-try:
1. Perfectly Moist
This carrot cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the generous amount of freshly grated carrots in the batter. You won’t find a dry crumb in sight!
2. Flavorful and Spiced
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla creates a cake that’s not overly sweet but filled with warm, comforting flavors.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting
The classic cream cheese frosting is the ideal complement to the cake’s sweetness. It’s smooth, tangy, and simply irresistible.
4. Easy to Make
Despite its professional-level taste, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
5. Impressive Presentation
Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also visually stunning. With its golden hue and cream cheese frosting swirls, it’s a dessert that will turn heads.
So, if you’re ready to embark on this baking adventure, let’s dive right into it.
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry; you probably have most of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Directions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Incorporate Grated Carrots
- Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet ingredients. The carrots will add both moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter.
Add Optional Ingredients
- If you’re using any optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or coconut, fold them into the batter now.
Divide the Batter
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool and Frost
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cakes with the cream cheese frosting.
How Many Cake Pans are in This Cake?
This recipe yields three layers of delicious carrot cake. So, you’ll need three 9-inch round cake pans to bake them. The layering is what makes this cake truly impressive, both in taste and appearance.
Kitchen Equipment
To make Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Grater (for the carrots)
- Cooling rack
Leftover Storage
If you have any leftovers, which is a big “if” because this cake tends to disappear quickly, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Carrot cake stays fresh for several days, and some say it tastes even better on the second day when the flavors have melded together.
Food and Drink Pairings
Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. It’s also an excellent choice for dessert after a hearty meal, like a Sunday roast or a savory stew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of moist, flavorful cake and creamy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. So, don your apron and get ready to create a masterpiece in your kitchen. Your friends and family will thank you!
But we’re not done yet. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your loved ones. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes, baking tips, and culinary inspiration. Happy baking!
MORE CARROT CAKES
Easy Sam’s Famous Carrot Cake
Equipment
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Grater (for the carrots)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet ingredients. The carrots will add both moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter.
- If you're using any optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or coconut, fold them into the batter now.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cakes with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of frosting for this carrot cake?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, you can experiment with other options like a tangy lemon glaze or a rich buttercream frosting.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can. This cake gets even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
3. Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.
4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Certainly! You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some bakers prefer a slightly less sweet carrot cake, and it can still be delicious.
5. How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting. If it’s still too runny, you can add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency.
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!