Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

This carrot cake features the earthy sweetness of grated carrots and crunchy walnuts, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It's a straightforward recipe perfect for any celebration.

07 Jan 2026
Cook time 75 min
Prep time 25 min

Ingredients:

2 cups carrots
1 cup walnuts
2 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cream cheese
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Carrots and Walnuts: Peel and grate the carrots until you have 2 cups. Chop the walnuts and set both aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure these are well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add Carrots and Walnuts: Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed initially and then on medium, until fully blended and smooth.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until well-incorporated.
1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Chill (Optional): For firmer frosting, you can refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Serve: Slice your carrot cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Congratulations, you've successfully made a delightful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting! The moist, flavorful cake combined with the creamy, tangy frosting is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy your homemade creation with friends and family!

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting FAQ:

How long should I bake the carrot cake?

Bake the carrot cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What pan size is used for this carrot cake recipe?

This recipe uses a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can also use an 8-inch round pan if you prefer a different shape, but baking times may vary slightly.

Can I substitute the walnuts in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely if you have nut allergies. You can also replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch.

How should I store the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?

Store the carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If left outside, it should be consumed within 2 hours due to the cream cheese frosting.

What can I do if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?

If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, try adding more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are well softened but not melted.

Cooking Tips:

- Grate the carrots finely.: For a smoother texture in your carrot cake, make sure to grate the carrots finely. This helps them to blend well with the other ingredients and ensures even cooking.

- Toast the walnuts.: To enhance the flavor of the walnuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter.

- Use room temperature ingredients.: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them to blend more easily and creates a smoother batter and frosting.

- Don't overmix the batter.: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.

- Chill the frosting.: After preparing the cream cheese frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. It will firm up slightly, making it easier to spread on the cake.

Nutrition Facts

12 Servings
Calories 370kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 2.29g
Sugar 16g
Fat 27g

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