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The Best Ultra-Moist Homemade Carrot Cake with Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of carrot cake recipe, featuring two layers of orange cake and thick cream cheese frosting.
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Follow this simple recipe to create the best homemade carrot cake. It delivers an ultra-moist texture, warm spices, and a rich, classic cream cheese frosting that makes it perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using) by hand using a spatula.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • For the creamiest frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature.
  • To keep this carrot cake recipe ultra-moist, do not skip the oil; it contributes significantly to the texture.
  • If you skip the nuts and raisins, consider adding 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained very well) for extra moisture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/ultimate-moist-carrot-cake-recipe/