Best Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake
Welcome to my kitchen, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share with you a recipe that's been cherished for generations - Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake. This delectable treat is not only a classic, but it's also incredibly moist, spiced to perfection, and adorned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is for anyone who craves a slice of nostalgia and a little something sweet.
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
- Cake decorating tools (if you want to get fancy)
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups of grated carrots
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the two cake pans. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they're well combined. Gradually add the oil and vanilla extract while continuing to mix.
- Now, fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if you're using them). These elements will give your cake its signature flavor and texture.
- Gently add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, ensuring they're level for even baking. Pop them into the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of spiced carrots!
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. You can get creative with the decoration - a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or a few carrot-shaped marzipan decorations are always charming choices.
- Slice and serve your Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake, and be ready to bask in the compliments!
Notes
There you have it, a delightful and timeless Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a birthday, a special dinner, or just a craving for something sweet, this cake is sure to please. With the warmth of spiced carrots and the indulgence of cream cheese frosting, it's a classic that never goes out of style.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe, and if you did, please share it with your friends and family. For more scrumptious recipes and baking tips, don't forget to subscribe to my blog. Happy baking!