Description
Carrot Cake Layer Cake is a moist, spiced dessert made with freshly grated carrots, warm cinnamon, soft cake layers, and rich cream cheese frosting, making it a beautiful homemade cake for Easter, birthdays, holidays, and any time you want a classic layered carrot cake recipe everyone loves.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8 inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans or walnuts.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
10. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract and enough heavy cream or milk to reach a smooth spreadable consistency.
11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
12. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then chill for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing for the cleanest finish.
Notes
Freshly grate the carrots instead of using pre-shredded carrots for the softest texture and best moisture.
Make sure the cake layers are fully cool before frosting so the cream cheese frosting stays thick and smooth.
For the best flavor, refrigerate the finished cake for a few hours and let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 78mg