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Easy Chocolate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Easy Chocolate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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This Easy Chocolate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the earthiness of fresh carrots, rich unsweetened cocoa, and warm spices, topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or everyday treats, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan. Finely grate the carrots and measure all dry and wet ingredients for easy mixing.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, then mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar along with lemon juice or zest, mixing until light and fluffy.
  7. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill briefly if desired, then slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Grate Carrots Finely: Ensures the carrots cook well and maintain moisture without sogginess.
  • Do Not Overmix: Overworking batter can cause a dense cake; mix just until combined.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and cream cheese at room temperature help achieve smoother batter and frosting.
  • Check Oven Temperature: Accurate oven temperature prevents under- or over-baking.
  • Chill Frosting If Needed: Refrigerate frosting briefly if too soft for easier spreading.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/easy-chocolate-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/