Grandma Rose's Regal Carrot Cake

Indulge in the timeless charm of Grandma Rose’s Regal Carrot Cake, a show-stopping dessert that brings rich, warming spices and tender, moist layers to your table. This heirloom recipe balances finely grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and the perfect crunch of optional chopped pecans or walnuts for a texture that’s truly unforgettable. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, made from scratch with softened butter and pure vanilla extract, every bite is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for special occasions or simply elevating an ordinary day, this elegant carrot cake is as comforting as it is impressive. Whether served as a holiday centerpiece or a weekend indulgence, Grandma Rose’s Regal Carrot Cake is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.75 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups, packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cups carrots, finely grated
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1.25 cups vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure 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 large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 3

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.

Step 4

In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs until they are well blended. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.

Step 5

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed at first to prevent a sugar cloud, then on high speed until fluffy.

Step 11

Mix in the vanilla extract for the frosting, beating until well incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

Step 12

Once the cakes are fully cooled, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread an even layer of frosting across the top.

Step 13

Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula.

Step 14

Decorate with additional chopped nuts or carrot shavings, if desired. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Step 15

Slice and serve! Enjoy Grandma Rose's Regal Carrot Cake with loved ones.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2713.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8990.1

Total Fat 491.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 128.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 168g
Cholesterol 1119.1mg	0%
Sodium 4631.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1126.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.3g	0%
Total Sugars 829.9g
Protein 88.8g	0%

Vitamin D 160IU	0%
Calcium 826.2mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 3725.5mg	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: 47.7%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 48.5%