Welcome to the delightful world of carrot cake! This timeless dessert, celebrated for its unique blend of sweetness and spice, holds a special place in many hearts. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, a perfectly baked carrot cake always brings smiles. This guide is your passport to creating a truly exceptional, moist, and flavorful carrot cake that will undoubtedly become your new go-to recipe.
We’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the freshest carrots to achieving that irresistible tender crumb, all crowned with the option of a luscious cream cheese frosting. Prepare to impress your taste buds and loved ones with a homemade masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Get ready to bake a cake that’s not just a dessert, but a cherished experience!
Print
Moist and Flavorful Carrot Cake
This recipe promises a delightful, moist carrot cake bursting with warm spices and fresh carrots, perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy-to-follow guide to making a beloved classic.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray; you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Blend these ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Crack 4 large eggs into the bowl, adding them one at a time and mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the 2 cups of grated carrots until they are evenly mixed into the batter.
- In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- If you like, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts and/or 1 cup of raisins at this stage. (Consider soaking raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before adding).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can frost it with cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain. Slice it up and share with family and friends. Enjoy your delicious carrot cake!
Notes
For the best moisture and flavor, always use freshly grated carrots and avoid overmixing the batter. To elevate the flavor, you might add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. This cake is excellent plain, or topped with a classic cream cheese frosting. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes