Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Carrot Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven for Homemade Carrot Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients for Carrot Cake

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Together Wet Ingredients for Moist Carrot Cake

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
• Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the carrot cake light and fluffy.
• Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts (if using), and raisins (if using).

Step 5: Bake the Carrot Cake Layers

• Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting for Carrot Cake:

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat together:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Beat until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
• Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin it to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble the Carrot Cake

• Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if needed.
• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
• Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
• Decorate with extra chopped walnuts if desired.

Additional Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake:

• To make the moist carrot cake recipe even more flavorful, you can add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the batter.
• For deeper flavor, toast the nuts before adding them.
• You can also make carrot cake cupcakes by baking the batter in lined muffin tins for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 280mg

Enjoy this best classic carrot cake recipe with its spiced, moist flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration!