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Cream cheese frosting on classic homemade carrot cake with chopped pecans.

Carrot Cake Recipe

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly dark hair sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.Amy Golden
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 516 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 3 cups grated peeled carrots
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans optional
  • 1/2 cup raisins optional

For the Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch optional
  • 1/3 cup cold heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing, lining with parchment, and greasing again or flouring.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the oil, both sugars, and vanilla. Whisk in eggs one at a time.
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  • Using a rubber spatula, fold in the dry ingredients in three parts until just combined. Stir in grated carrots, and if desired, pecans and raisins.
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  • Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  • For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cornstarch. Add heavy cream and beat until creamy. Chill until ready to use.
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  • Frost the top of one cake layer, add the second layer, and spread the remaining frosting on top. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired.
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Nutrition

Calories: 516kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 5gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 293mgFiber: 2g
Keyword Carrot Cake
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