Classic Carrot Cake

Tammy Smith

Grated carrots add natural moisture to this spiced layer cake, which gets its flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, and a generous amount of vanilla. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it takes roughly 1 hour to bake and cool before assembly.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings slices

Calories 396 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Whisk
9-inch round cake pan
Oven
Cooling Rack

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour Preferably unbleached.
1 tsp baking powder Ensure it's fresh for proper rise.
½ tsp baking soda Checks acidity.
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg Freshly grated if possible.
¼ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar Packed.
¾ cup vegetable oil Or melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
2 large eggs Room temperature.
1 tsp vanilla extract Pure extract preferred.
1 ½ cups grated carrots Freshly grated for texture.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition for a smooth mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tammy’s Tips

Enhance the flavor by adding a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter.
For a dairy-free version, substitute eggs with flax eggs.
To intensify the spices, you might add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 233mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 4078IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Carrot Cake, Classic Recipe, Dessert

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