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Delicious slice of best ever carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting

Best Ever Carrot Cake

This moist and flavorful carrot cake is topped with cream cheese frosting and is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with minimal cleanup, it's sure to impress family and friends!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix together oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the nuts if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
  3. Once cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the whole cake.
Serving
  1. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor. Grate your carrots finely for a smoother texture. For a lighter version, consider using applesauce instead of oil.