Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Indulge in the sublime flavor of this Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, an exquisite dessert that epitomizes sophistication. With its rich blend of spices, tender carrots, and the creamy decadence of the frosting, this cake is a delightful tribute to classic baking. Having crafted countless carrot cakes throughout my culinary journey, I can confidently assert that this recipe stands as the pinnacle of them all, deserving a place at any celebration or family gathering.
Recipe Category
Dessert
Cooking and Preparation Times
| Time Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 35 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Keywords
- Vegetable
- Kid-Friendly
- Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 ¼ teaspoons |
| Orange zest | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 4 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | ½ teaspoon |
| Carrots, grated | 2 ½ cups |
| Pecans, chopped | 1 cup |
| Raisins | ¼ cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Cream cheese, softened | 12 ounces |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract (for frosting) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 868.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 53.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 138.3 mg |
| Sodium | 710.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 90.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 67.3 g |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cake texture.
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Prepare the Cake Pans: Lightly grease two 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 ½-inch-high sides to ensure easy removal once baked. To further prevent sticking, line the bottoms of the pans with waxed paper or parchment, then lightly grease the paper.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, utilize an electric mixer to combine 1 ¾ cups of sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, ¼ cup of orange juice, 1 ¼ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and the orange zest. Mix until well combined.
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Incorporate the Eggs: Add the 2 large eggs to the mixture, one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This will help in achieving a light and airy texture for the cake.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Add the Carrots and Nuts: Fold in 2 ½ cups of grated carrots, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and ¼ cup of raisins into the batter. This will not only add moisture but also provide delightful textures and flavors.
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Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cakes begin to pull away from the sides of the pans.
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Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Afterward, gently turn out the cakes onto the racks and let them cool completely. For optimal freshness, these can be made one day ahead; simply wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine 12 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of unsalted butter (also softened), 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, achieving a luscious consistency.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread just under ½ of the frosting over the top of the first layer.
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Layer It Up: Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one. Using an icing spatula, spread the remaining frosting in decorative swirls over the top and sides of the cake, creating a visually appealing masterpiece.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into generous portions and serve either chilled or at room temperature. Each bite of this carrot cake is sure to delight with its moist texture, rich flavors, and creamy frosting, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or special occasions.
Conclusion
This Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates. Enjoy every bite of this delightful creation, and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable experience.
