Decadent Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans

- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the canola oil and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.

4. Combine and Fold:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans gently.

5. Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let them cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the milk until the frosting is light and fluffy.

7. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with additional pecans if desired.

Total Time

PT1H20M
1 hour and 20 minutes

Type of Dish

Dessert

Keywords

Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Baking, Dessert, Homemade Cake, Easter Recipe, Fall Dessert, Layer Cake, Sweet Treat, Special Occasion Dessert

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total: 3,520 calories

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