Carrot Cake Layer Cream Cheese (Printable)
A moist, spiced carrot cake with layers of rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions or afternoon treats.
# What You Need:
→ For the Carrot Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons 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 1/4 cups granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
16 - 3/4 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
17 - 1/2 cup raisins
→ For the Cream Cheese Frosting
18 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
19 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
20 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
21 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
22 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, nuts, pineapple, and raisins, if using.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and creamy.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with second and third layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake.
11 - Decorate with extra nuts or carrot curls if desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for neat layers.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The layers stay incredibly moist for days thanks to the crushed pineapple secret
- That tangy cream cheese frosting hits the perfect balance between sweet and sharp
02 -
- Overmixing the batter makes tough layers, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour
- The pineapple must be well drained or your cake will never fully set
03 -
- Grate your carrots by hand instead of using food processing for better texture and moisture distribution
- Tap the pans on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles