This Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a true family favorite cake recipe, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to bake this moist cake, topped with a tangy, smooth frosting. It’s a comforting dessert that always gets rave reviews.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Carrots: Freshly grated for best flavor. Pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can add a deeper molasses note.
- Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or another neutral oil works well.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for rich icing.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – adjust to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, electric mixer, rubber spatula, grater.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout your cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat this mixture until it’s light and well combined. This creates a smooth base for your family favorite cake recipe.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in the grated carrots.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and fluffy.
7. Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula for a smooth finish. This Spiced Carrot Cake is now ready to be enjoyed as a family favorite cake recipe!
Variation Ideas
- Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the carrots for extra crunch.
- Raisins/Dried Cranberries: Stir in 1/2 cup of golden raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
- Pineapple: Add 1/2 cup of drained crushed pineapple to the batter for more moisture and a tropical twist.
- Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the icing for a bright citrus note.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Spiced Carrot Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it unfrosted at room temperature, wrapped tightly. Frost it just before serving.
- Why is my carrot cake dry? This usually happens from overmixing the batter or overbaking. Be sure to mix until just combined and check for doneness with a skewer.
- Can you use store-bought shredded carrots? While freshly grated carrots offer the best moisture and flavor, pre-shredded carrots can be used if you’re short on time.
- How do you prevent the cream cheese icing from being too runny? Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, chill the icing for 15-20 minutes before using.
- What kind of pan can you use? You can also use two 9-inch round cake pans for a layer cake. Adjust baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
- Is this a good beginner-friendly recipe? Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, making this a perfect family favorite cake recipe for novice bakers.