SAEDNEWS: "Follow this tested recipe to bake a soft, moist carrot cake bursting with warm cinnamon and walnut flavors, topped with a sweet, creamy layer of cream cheese frosting. This guide walks you step by step to create a homemade carrot cake that everyone will fall in love with."
According to the Culinary Service of Saed News, carrot cake is one of the most beloved cakes around the world, known for its soft, moist texture and sweet, subtly spiced flavor. But American-style carrot cake, with its generous layer of cream cheese frosting, tells a completely different and tempting story. This cake is a masterful combination of sweet carrots, the gentle warmth of spices like cinnamon, and the delightful taste of walnuts, perfectly balanced with creamy frosting. If you’re looking for a homemade carrot cake recipe that’s both beautiful and incredibly delicious, this article is for you. Join us as we uncover the secrets to baking an unforgettable carrot cake.
For convenience, the ingredients are divided into cake and cream cheese frosting.
Cake Ingredients:
All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
Sugar (preferably brown): 1 ½ cups
Large eggs: 4
Vegetable oil: 1 ¼ cups
Finely grated carrots: 3 packed cups
Chopped walnuts: 1 cup
Baking powder: 2 tsp
Baking soda: 1 tsp
Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
Nutmeg (optional): ½ tsp
Salt: ½ tsp
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
Cream cheese (such as mascarpone or Philadelphia), room temperature: 220 g
Softened butter, room temperature: 110 g
Sifted powdered sugar: 3–4 cups (adjust to taste)
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease two 8- or 9-inch round pans with butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Lightly grease and flour the parchment as well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sift together to aerate the mixture and create a lighter, fluffier cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy and slightly fluffy. Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three portions, folding gently with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed—mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Finally, fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30–40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined, and then mix in the vanilla extract. The frosting should be creamy and firm enough to spread.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers are completely cooled (this is crucial), place one layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the frosting over it. Place the second layer on top and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Decorate with chopped walnuts or grated carrots if desired.
Use fresh carrots: Pre-packaged carrots are often dry and may not give enough moisture.
Room temperature ingredients: Eggs, butter, and cream cheese should be at room temperature for best results.
Cool completely: Frosting warm cake layers can cause it to melt and ruin the appearance.
Flavor variations: Add ½ cup of raisins or drained, chopped canned pineapple to the batter for a fun twist.
Now you have an authentic American carrot cake recipe that can be the star of any party or a delightful afternoon treat. Its moist texture, warmly spiced flavor, and balanced sweetness of cream cheese frosting create a truly unforgettable experience. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy each slice alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Bon appétit!
