Christmas Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups finely grated fresh carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained very well
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Ensure there are no lumps and that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale.
- Step 4: Combine Components: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts. Do not overmix the batter.
- Step 5: Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, followed by the vanilla and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Step 7: Assemble and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with extra nuts or festive sprinkles if desired.