Ultimate Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this incredibly moist and flavorful carrot cake, a beloved favorite in our household. Made with fresh grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon, and crunchy pecans for texture, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, it's no wonder this cake has earned the title of 'best ever' from my husband. Ideal for celebrating special occasions or just brightening up your day, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Carrots
3 cups (grated)
Self-Rising Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Vegetable Oil
1.5 cups (measured)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (ground)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Confectioners' Sugar
to taste (for frosting)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped (optional, for garnish))
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (pure)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
4
Incorporate the self-rising flour, grated carrots, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
5
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s).
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
8
Gradually add confectioners' sugar one cup at a time, mixing until well blended and smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
9
Once the cake has cooled completely, frost the top (and sides, if using round pans) with the cream cheese frosting, and garnish with optional pecans.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this carrot cake recipe?
The recipe is called the Ultimate Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
What makes this carrot cake unique?
It is incredibly moist and flavorful, featuring fresh grated carrots, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
You can use a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
What type of flour is used in this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted self-rising flour.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
There are 2 cups of granulated sugar in the batter.
How much oil does this carrot cake require?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of vegetable oil.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 3 cups of grated carrots.
What spice is used to flavor the cake?
Ground cinnamon is used, specifically 2 teaspoons.
Are there nuts in this carrot cake?
Yes, the recipe uses chopped pecans in both the batter and the frosting.
How much pecans go into the cake batter?
1 cup of chopped pecans is stirred into the wet mixture.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake should bake for 30-35 minutes.
How do I test if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, pecans, and vanilla extract.
How much cream cheese is used for the frosting?
One 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese is used.
How much butter is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How do I incorporate the confectioners' sugar into the frosting?
Gradually add the sugar one cup at a time, mixing until well blended and smooth.
What kind of vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe recommends 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Can I garnish the cake?
Yes, you can use an optional 1/2 cup of chopped pecans for garnish.
When should I apply the frosting?
The frosting should only be applied once the cake has cooled completely.
Should the eggs be added all at once?
No, eggs should be added one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
What is the first step in making the batter?
The first step is to blend together the sugar and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl.
How should I mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones?
Stir them in until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for celebrating special occasions or brightening up your day.
How much cinnamon is included?
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon are included in the recipe.
Can the frosting be used on the sides of the cake?
Yes, if using round pans, you can frost both the top and the sides.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting is described as rich, creamy, smooth, and fluffy.
How should the cream cheese and butter be prepared for the frosting?
Both the cream cheese and the butter should be softened before creaming them together.