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simple carrot cake recipe

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A Comprehensive Guide to Making a Simple Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the warmth of spices and the crunch of nuts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a simple yet delicious carrot cake.

Ingredients

For the cake, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Flour: 2 to 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled[2][4][5].
  • Leavening Agents: 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda[2][4][5].
  • Spices: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and optionally, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves[2][4][5].
  • Salt: ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt[2][4][5].
  • Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 to 1.5 cups of packed light brown sugar[2][4][5].
  • Oil: ¾ to 1.25 cups of vegetable or canola oil[2][4][5].
  • Eggs: 4 large eggs at room temperature[2][4][5].
  • Applesauce: Optionally, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce for added moisture[2][5].
  • Vanilla: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract[2][4][5].
  • Carrots: 3 cups of grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)[2][4][5].
  • Nuts: 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts[1][4][5].

For the cream cheese frosting, you will need:

  • Cream Cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened[1][2][4].
  • Butter: ½ to 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened[1][2][4].
  • Powdered Sugar: 2 to 5 cups of powdered sugar[1][2][4].
  • Vanilla: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract[1][2][4].

Instructions

Preparing the Cake

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other spices you are using[1][2][4].
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. If using applesauce, include it in this mixture[2][4][5].
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. A few streaks of flour should remain[1][2][4].
  4. Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts using a spatula[1][2][4].

Baking the Cake

  1. Prepare the Pans: Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray or butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper[1][2][4].
  2. Divide the Batter: Divide the carrot cake batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  3. Bake: Bake in an oven heated to 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean[1][2][4].
  4. Cool: Let the cake layers cool completely in the pans on a wire cooling rack. Invert the cooled layers and remove the parchment paper[1].

Making the Frosting

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy[1][2][4].
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well[1][2][4].

Assembling the Cake

  1. Place Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Spread Frosting: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake layer.
  3. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting[1][2][4].

Tips and Variations

  • Spices: Adjust the amount and type of spices according to your preference. Common additions include ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves[2][4][5].
  • Nuts: You can use either pecans or walnuts, and adjust the amount to your liking[1][4][5].
  • Applesauce: Adding unsweetened applesauce can enhance the moisture of the cake[2][5].
  • Frosting: You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency and sweetness[1][2][4].

Most Important Facts About Simple Carrot Cake Recipe

  • Ingredients: Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, grated carrots, and chopped nuts[1][2][4].
  • Spices: Common spices used are cinnamon, nutmeg, and optionally ginger and cloves[2][4][5].
  • Baking: Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean[1][2][4].
  • Cooling: Allow the cake layers to cool completely in the pans before assembling the cake[1].
  • Frosting: Use a cream cheese frosting made with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract[1][2][4].
  • Customization: You can adjust the recipe by adding applesauce for moisture, varying the spices, and using different types of nuts[2][4][5].

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and moist carrot cake that is perfect for any occasion.

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