Mom's Carrot Cake

Bring a taste of nostalgia to your dessert table with Mom's Carrot Cake, a timeless recipe that perfectly balances warmth and sweetness. This ultra-moist carrot cake is infused with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and features the subtle crunch of optional walnuts. Made with freshly grated carrots and topped with a luscious, homemade cream cheese frosting, this two-layer masterpiece is ideal for celebrations, holidays, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-follow recipe produces a showstopping dessert that serves 12. Whether you're baking for family or friends, this classic carrot cake will impress with every bite. Don't forget to finish it off with extra walnuts or a sprinkle of grated carrot for a beautiful presentation!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 0.75 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 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 and set them aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the sugar and oil mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or grated carrots, if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2199.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7875.8

Total Fat 419.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 116.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 137.8g
Cholesterol 1099.7mg	0%
Sodium 5284.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 998.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.8g	0%
Total Sugars 723.6g
Protein 89.5g	0%

Vitamin D 173.0IU	0%
Calcium 777.2mg	0%
Iron 26.0mg	0%
Potassium 2358.5mg	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: 46.4%

Protein: 4.4%

Carbs: 49.2%