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Best Carrot Cake Layer Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender carrot cake layered with a creamy, tangy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed (110 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower recommended)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup toasted chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup drained crushed pineapple (optional)
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple (if using), and toasted walnuts (if using).
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate pans halfway if needed.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  11. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice.
  12. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading frosting on top, adding second layer, then frosting top and sides.
  13. Chill cake for 20 minutes and smooth frosting again if desired.

Notes

If frosting is too soft, chill for 10 minutes and whip again before spreading. Use finely grated carrots for best texture. Toast walnuts for extra flavor and crunch. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and butter and coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, homemade frosting, birthday cake, potluck dessert

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