Spiced Carrot Cake Cream Cheese (Printable Format)
Warm spices and grated carrots blend with creamy cheese frosting for a moist, flavorful dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5–6 medium carrots)
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
03 - In a separate bowl, blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
05 - Gently fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using.
06 - Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and smooth.
09 - Once cooled, spread frosting over one cake layer, top with second layer, then frost top and sides. For sheet cake, frost top generously.
10 - Optionally, garnish with extra nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Slice and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This cake feels like a secret gift, combining spices and moist texture in a way that surprises everyone you share it with
- The silky cream cheese frosting adds just the right tang that made it a favorite in my circle of friends
02 -
- Patience is key: letting the cake cool completely before frosting avoids a melty mess
- Grating carrots finely ensures they bake evenly and stay moist without sogginess
03 -
- Toast nuts lightly before folding in for extra depth
- Use a stand mixer for frosting to get the perfect fluffy texture every time