Janie's Carrot Cake

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Janie’s Carrot Cake, a moist and spiced classic topped with velvety cream cheese frosting. Packed with freshly grated carrots, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a satisfying crunch from chopped pecans or walnuts, this homemade carrot cake strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Optional raisins add a delightful chewiness, while the easy-to-make frosting brings richness and tang to every bite. Perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat, this two-layer cake comes together with just 20 minutes of prep time and bakes to golden perfection. Serve it as a show-stopping dessert and watch it become a crowd favorite with its irresistible flavor and eye-catching presentation.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 0.75 cups raisins (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon whole milk (optional 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, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using) with a spatula.

Step 6

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

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Add the vanilla extract and milk (if needed for consistency) into the frosting, mixing until creamy.

Step 11

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Decorate with additional chopped nuts, grated carrot, or raisins, if desired. Slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2365.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8784.6

Total Fat 487.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 152.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1254.9mg	0%
Sodium 6069.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1084.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.9g	0%
Total Sugars 830.0g
Protein 86.0g	0%

Vitamin D 171.8IU	0%
Calcium 809.6mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 3159.4mg	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: 48.4%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 47.8%