Go Back
carrot cake ready to serve
Vagner Carvalho

Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Freshly grated carrots give this two-layer cake moisture and a soft, textured crumb. Cinnamon stays in the background, and a tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweet cake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling and chilling 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 portions
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) neutral oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 3 cups (300 g) freshly grated carrots
  • 3/4 cup (85 g) chopped walnuts, optional
  • 8 oz (225 g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups (300 g) powdered sugar, sifted

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans and line the bases with parchment. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  2. Whisk eggs, both sugars, oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla until combined. Fold in dry ingredients just until no dry patches remain, then fold in carrots and optional walnuts. Divide evenly between pans.
  3. Bake for 30–35 minutes until centers spring back lightly and a tester comes out without wet batter. Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then turn onto racks and cool completely, at least 1 hour.
  4. Beat butter until smooth, then beat in cream cheese just until blended. Add powdered sugar gradually and remaining vanilla, mixing on low before briefly beating smooth. Chill for 15–20 minutes if too soft.
  5. Place one cool layer on a serving plate, spread with about one-third of the frosting, and add the second layer. Frost top and sides. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Times are planning estimates; use the listed doneness cues. Nutrition is an approximate ingredient-based estimate for 1 of 12 frosted slices, including walnuts.