Gigi's Carrot Cake by Emeril Lagasse

Discover the ultimate indulgence with Gigi's Carrot Cake by Emeril Lagasse, a timeless dessert that combines rich, moist layers of spiced carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with freshly grated carrots and crunchy walnuts for texture, this show-stopping cake strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness. With warm cinnamon and vanilla infusing every bite, this classic recipe is ideal for special occasions, from birthdays to holiday feasts. Topped with a velvety frosting made from scratch, it’s both a crowd-pleaser and a surefire centerpiece. Perfect for home bakers, this recipe is easy to follow, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time for a bakery-quality cake that serves 12. Enjoy it as-is or garnish with additional walnuts for an extra touch of elegance.

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 2 teaspoons Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 4 pieces Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3 cups Grated carrots
• 1 cup Chopped walnuts
• 16 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4

Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Stack the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Step 12

Decorate with additional chopped walnuts, if desired. Slice and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2602.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9744.1

Total Fat 564.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 199.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1504.5mg	0%
Sodium 6632.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1145.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g	0%
Total Sugars 907.3g
Protein 102.6g	0%

Vitamin D 218.3IU	0%
Calcium 875.0mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 2331.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.4%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 45.5%