🥕✨ Best Carrot Cake Recipe: A Timeless Classic ✨🥕
Looking for the perfect dessert to wow your friends and family? This Best Carrot Cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. With optional coconut and nuts for added texture, this timeless classic is ideal for celebrations or any sweet craving!
🥕 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups grated carrots 🥕
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter) 🧈
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 🍬
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tsp baking powder 🥄
- 1 tsp baking soda 🥄
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon 🥄
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg 🌰
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional) 🥥
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) 🌰
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 3 cups powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🥄
🥕 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots until evenly combined.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts, if using, for added flavor and texture.
4️⃣ Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
6️⃣ Assemble and Frost:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Decorate with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a finished look.
✨ Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake:
- Shred carrots finely: Finer carrot shreds will blend seamlessly into the cake, ensuring even moisture and texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter for a smoother batter and frosting.
- Add-ins: Customize your cake by adding raisins, pineapple chunks, or orange zest for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature. Frost just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftover carrot cake?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Q: Can I freeze carrot cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Common Mistakes and Solutions:
- Mistake 1: Cake too dense.
Solution: Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Mix until just combined. - Mistake 2: Frosting too runny.
Solution: If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before spreading. - Mistake 3: Uneven baking.
Solution: Rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.
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