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Carrot cake with thick cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts, with a slice cut to show the moist spiced crumb on a marble surface.

Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A perfectly moist carrot cake loaded with warm spices and topped with silky cream cheese frosting. This crowd-favorite recipe stays soft for days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Box grater
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13 pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Fold in grated carrots and nuts.
  6. Pour into pan and bake 40-45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  9. Frost cooled cake and serve.