Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic choice for afternoon tea or special occasions. This cake is moist and packed with warm spices and grated carrots. The sweet topping balances the earthy flavours of the sponge perfectly. It is a reliable recipe that yields a great result every time.
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Why you should try carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is loved for its soft texture and rich flavour. The addition of walnuts adds a nice crunch to every bite. You do not need any special equipment to get a good rise. It stays fresh for several days when stored in the fridge.

A step-by-step guide to carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Step 1
Prepare the batter: Preheat your oven to 180C and grease a cake tin. Whisk the oil, eggs and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts until everything is combined.
Step 2
Bake the sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for forty five minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tin for ten minutes before moving it to a wire rack. The sponge must be completely cold before you add the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting topping.
Step 3
Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a bowl. Sift in the icing sugar gradually and add the vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy without any lumps. Do not overmix the frosting or it might become too runny to spread.
Step 4
Decorate and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting thickly over the top of the cooled cake. You can add extra walnuts on top for decoration if you like. Slice the cake into twelve even pieces and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the fridge to keep the frosting firm.

Tips and tricks for carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

Always grate your carrots finely to ensure they blend into the batter well. Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the ingredients combine more easily. If you want a lighter cake, you can swap half of the brown sugar for white sugar. Make sure the cake is fully cooled because warm sponge will melt the frosting. This carrot cake with cream cheese frosting tastes even better the next day when the spices have developed. You can store the finished cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

You might also enjoy prawn salad for sandwiches or stuffed peppers.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 250 g plain flour
  • 250 g light brown sugar
  • 200 ml vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 300 g grated carrots
  • 100 g chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 250 g full fat cream cheese
  • 100 g softened butter
  • 300 g icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2448 kJ / 585 kcal
  • Fat:38 g
  • - of which saturates:12 g
  • Carbohydrates:56 g
  • - of which sugars:42 g
  • Protein:6 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:210 mg

People also ask

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting usually takes about 45 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.6 / 5 - (29 ratings)