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Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

A classic, moist carrot cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. Combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
  4. Gradually add wet to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Stir in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
  6. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Frost with cream cheese frosting once the cake is completely cool.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter in the frosting.