Classic Ultra Moist Spiced Carrot Cake

Ingredients

For the Spiced Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups (300g) finely grated fresh carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
• 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or crushed pineapple (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz (450g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1.Prepare Oven & Pans:350°F (175°C) oven setup.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly flour the sides.

2.Whisk Dry Ingredients & Spices:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

3.Whisk Wet Ingredients:

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and emulsified.

4.Fold Wet into Dry:Combine without overmixing.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula just until no dry flour streaks remain.

5.Add Carrots & Mix-ins:Stir gently by hand.

Fold in the freshly grated carrots, along with chopped walnuts and raisins or crushed pineapple if using.

6.Bake & Cool:35 to 40 minutes for 9-inch rounds.

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes (40–45 minutes for a 9×13 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.

7.Whip Frosting & Assemble:

Beat cream cheese and butter together for 2 minutes until completely smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating on high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy. Spread frosting between cooled layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or pecans.