Soft, warmly spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting β this is a foolproof carrot cake that stays moist for days.
π Ingredients (Serves 10β12)
π₯ Cake
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium)
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1 cup sugar
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Β½ cup brown sugar
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1 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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Β½ tsp salt
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1Β½ tsp cinnamon
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Β½ tsp nutmeg
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Β½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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Β½ cup raisins (optional)
π§ Cream Cheese Frosting
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200g cream cheese (softened)
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Β½ cup butter (softened)
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2β3 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Prep
Preheat oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F).
Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
2οΈβ£ Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3οΈβ£ Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4οΈβ£ Combine
Add dry mixture to wet mixture. Stir gently.
Fold in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
5οΈβ£ Bake
Pour into pan and bake 35β45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
π Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Spread over cooled cake.
π₯ Tips for Ultra-Moist Cake
β Donβt squeeze water from carrots
β Use oil (not butter) for softness
β Donβt overmix
β Let cake cool fully before frosting
π Approx Nutrition (Per Slice)
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Calories: 420β480
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Carbs: 55g
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Fat: 22g
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Protein: 5g
π§ͺ Why Carrot Cake Is So Moist
β Oil instead of butter keeps it soft for days
β Natural moisture from carrots
β Brown sugar adds extra tenderness
β Cream cheese frosting locks in moisture
π₯ Best Carrots to Use
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Use freshly grated carrots (not pre-shredded β too dry)
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Fine grate = softer texture
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Do NOT squeeze out moisture
2 cups grated carrots = about 3 medium carrots
π§ Pan Options & Baking Times
| Pan Type | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 9-inch round | 35β45 min |
| 2 layer cake | 25β30 min |
| Cupcakes | 18β22 min |
| Loaf pan | 45β55 min |
βοΈ Storage Guide
Room Temperature
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1 day (covered)
Refrigerator
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4β5 days (airtight container)
Freezer
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Freeze unfrosted cake up to 2 months
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Wrap tightly in plastic + foil
π Flavor Variations
π Pineapple Carrot Cake
Add Β½ cup crushed pineapple (drained).
π₯₯ Coconut Carrot Cake
Add Β½ cup shredded coconut.
π Orange Twist
Add 1 tsp orange zest to batter.
π° Nut-Free Version
Skip walnuts β still delicious.
π©Ί Is It Healthy?
Traditional carrot cake is not low-calorie because of:
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Sugar
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Oil
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Cream cheese frosting
But carrots do add:
β Fiber
β Beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
βοΈ Weight Watchers Estimate
Per slice (standard recipe):
β‘ 14β18 points (depends on frosting amount)
π₯ Make It Healthier
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Use Β½ oil + Β½ applesauce
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Reduce sugar by ΒΌβΒ½ cup
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Use Greek yogurt frosting
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Make it into muffins (portion control)
β FAQs
Q: Why is my carrot cake dense?
A: Overmixing or too much flour.
Q: Why did it sink in the middle?
A: Underbaked or oven door opened early.
Q: Can I make it eggless?
A: Yes β replace each egg with ΒΌ cup yogurt or applesauce.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes β use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
