Carrot Cake Layers with Cream Cheese Frosting

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

Moist carrot cake layers spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting for a classic dessert. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon 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 420 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 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 8 oz, softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup, softened unsalted butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar with 1 cup vegetable oil until combined. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 3 cups grated carrots and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
4. Step 4: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
5. Step 5: For the frosting, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
6. Step 6: Spread frosting between cake layers and over top and sides of the cooled cake. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.