Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

Get ready to savor the ultimate classic dessert with this Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, a timeless treat that blends warm spices, moist texture, and rich cream cheese frosting into one irresistible masterpiece. This homemade carrot cake recipe stands out with its perfect balance of grated fresh carrots, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and optional add-ins like chopped walnuts and raisins for delightful texture. Baked to golden perfection, each layer is generously slathered in a velvety smooth cream cheese frosting, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a slice of nostalgia, this made-from-scratch carrot cake is a showstopper that’s perfect for sharing. Ready in just an hour with simple pantry staples, this beloved family favorite promises to be the highlight of any dessert table!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 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
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3 cups Grated carrots (about 4 large carrots)
• 1 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
• 0.5 cup Raisins (optional)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Gently fold in the grated carrots. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins.

Step 7

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

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

Step 10

While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 12

Once the cakes are completely cooled, assemble by spreading a layer of frosting between the cake layers, then frost the top and sides.

Step 13

Optional: Garnish the top of the cake with more chopped walnuts or grated carrots for decoration.

Step 14

Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2593.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9491.3

Total Fat 489.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 153.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1253.4mg	0%
Sodium 5226.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1254.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.0g	0%
Total Sugars 948.0g
Protein 97.2g	0%

Vitamin D 160IU	0%
Calcium 896.8mg	0%
Iron 27.8mg	0%
Potassium 3515.1mg	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: 44.9%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 51.2%