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The BEST Carrot Cake!

Moist and Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this classic carrot cake that’s moist, perfectly spiced, and loaded with fresh carrots, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Carrot Cake:

  • 1 2/3 cups avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 pound finely grated fresh carrots
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts or 1/2 cup raisins

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 3 (8-ounce) bricks cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 6 cups powdered sugar (or more for desired thickness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans, or use baking spray for a no-fuss option.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully combined.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in the grated carrots and add nuts and/or raisins if desired.
  4. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve a firm consistency suitable for layering.
  6. Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a cake leveler or a bread knife to trim the tops so they are flat.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Place the first layer on a serving platter. Add a generous scoop of frosting on top and spread it evenly, allowing it to spill slightly over the edges. Repeat with the second and third layers. Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides of the cake.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake immediately, or cover it and refrigerate for up to 4 days for later enjoyment.