Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist and spiced carrot cake layers generously filled and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1 cup vegetable oil until combined. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in 3 cups grated carrots and 1 cup chopped walnuts.
- Step 4: Divide batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
- Step 5: For the frosting, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
- Step 6: Spread a thick layer of frosting on one cake layer, top with the second layer, then frost the top and sides evenly. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Carrot Cake Layered with Cream Cheese Frosting?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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