Indulge your senses with a slice of pure bliss! This Classic Carrot Cake with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting, inspired by the culinary genius Rachel Ray, is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. With its moist, spiced cake packed with freshly grated carrots and crunchy walnuts, every bite is a delightful experience. Topped with a rich and velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to be a showstopper at your next gathering!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- If desired, you can decorate the top of the cake with additional chopped walnuts or carrot decorations for a festive touch.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy your delicious classic carrot cake with creamy cream cheese frosting!
Tips
- Use Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, grate fresh carrots instead of using pre-packaged shredded carrots. The moisture from fresh carrots enhances the cake's richness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and airy one.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps achieve that perfect creamy layer.
- Decorate Creatively: Get creative with your frosting! Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or even some edible flowers on top for a beautiful presentation.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to a week, though it’s so delicious, it might not last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 125mg
