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Classic Carrot Cake

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A moist and warmly spiced carrot cake topped with a light cream cheese frosting, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (190g) lightly packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ cups (140g) powdered sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (295ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) cold heavy cream
  • 3 cups (300g) grated peeled carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup (120g) coarsely chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (70g) raisins
  • ½ cup (50g) coarsely chopped pecans for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until aerated and lump-free.
  3. Combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and glossy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking each in completely before adding the next.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Incorporate grated carrots, chopped pecans, and raisins gently into the batter.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar and cornstarch, then add cold heavy cream and beat until airy.
  11. Assemble the cake with frosting between layers and on top, sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  12. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Grate carrots on the coarse side for texture. If very wet, squeeze out excess moisture. Use cold ingredients for smoother frosting. For variations, add crushed pineapple or substitute with walnuts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/decadent-carrot-cake/