Description
This Easy Chocolate Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness and moisture of grated carrots with rich cocoa powder for a unique twist on traditional carrot cake. Topped with a tangy and smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is simple to make and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want a delightful crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs with granulated and brown sugar until creamy. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth and evenly combined. Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots to maintain moisture and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 3 cups, and continue beating until creamy and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract. Adjust powdered sugar quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides using a spatula or knife. Create swirls or smooth the surface according to your preference.
Notes
- Grate carrots fresh using a medium or fine box grater or a food processor attachment for best moisture and texture.
- Mix batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- Start checking the cake’s doneness at 30 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- If frosting becomes too soft, chill it briefly before spreading for neat application.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg