Spiced Carrot Cake Frosting (Printable Version)
Warmly spiced carrot cake with smooth cream cheese frosting, ideal for festive occasions or teatime.
# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
05 - Fold in finely grated carrots along with optional chopped nuts and raisins if desired.
06 - Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
09 - Spread frosting between layers, then cover the top and sides of the cooled cakes evenly.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This cake is moist and warmly spiced, perfect for sharing over heartfelt conversations.
- The tangy cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance to the sweetness, making it a family favorite.
02 -
- Don't skip greasing and lining the pans; that's the trick to a perfect cake release without breaking.
- Adding the grated carrots last preserves their texture and moisture, making all the difference in every bite.
03 -
- Use finely grated carrots so they blend seamlessly and keep the cake moist.
- The secret to that tangle of flavor is the careful balance of all those warm spices, not too much but just enough to tease your senses.