Spiced Carrot Cake
This Spiced Carrot Cake recipe is the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet carrots, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this cake is ideal for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying a slice with coffee, our Spiced Carrot Cake will quickly become a favorite. Visit the blog for step-by-step instructions and tips to customize this classic dessert to your taste!
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: To blend the wet ingredients and cream cheese frosting.
- Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For folding in the grated carrots and mix-ins.
- Box grater: To finely grate the carrots.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- 2 x 9-inch round cake pans or 1 x 9x13-inch pan: Depending on your preference for cake shape.
- Parchment paper: Optional, for lining the cake pans to ensure easy removal.
- Cooling rack: To allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Offset spatula or butter knife: To evenly spread the cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Tsp Baking powder
- 1 Tsp Baking soda
- 1 Tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 Tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 Tsp Ground ginger
- 1/2 Tsp Ground cloves
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 4 Large eggs
- 1 1/2 Cups Granulated sugar
- 1 Cup Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier twist)
- 2 Tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 Cups Grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 Cup Crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 Cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 Cup Raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 Oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 Cups Powdered sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp Orange zest (optional for a citrusy touch)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and PanPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch baking pan. For easy removal, you can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry IngredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This spice blend gives the cake its rich and aromatic flavor, making it truly irresistible.
- Prepare Wet IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The oil helps keep the cake extra moist, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
- Fold in Carrots and Add-insGently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and raisins (if using). The carrots and pineapple add moisture, while the walnuts and raisins bring texture and flavor to every bite.
- Bake the CakePour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes if using round pans, or 40-45 minutes for a 9x13-inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the CakeAllow the cake to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese FrostingWhile the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using) for a tangy brightness that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.
- Assemble the CakeOnce the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with the cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, or simply spread the frosting evenly across the top if using a 9x13-inch pan. For a decorative touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top.