Ultimate Homemade Carrot Cake: A Timeless Favorite With Rich, Spicy Flavor

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Ultimate Homestyle Carrot Cake, an irresistibly moist cake filled with finely shredded carrots and crunchy pecans, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. This cake combines these rich textures and flavors with a smooth, creamy frosting, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Why you will love it

This carrot cake recipe brings a classic to your kitchen with its simple, foolproof preparation. The cake itself isn't too sweet, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots and richness of the pecans to shine through. The creamy frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and decadence. It's a versatile dessert, sturdy enough for a casual family dinner, but elegant enough for a festive gathering.

Perfect opportunity

Carrot cake is ideal for celebrations like birthdays, as well as seasonal gatherings in spring and fall. Its warm spices make it particularly appropriate for Easter and Thanksgiving, but it's also a comforting pick-me-up in the winter. This cake can be dressed up for special occasions or served plain for a delicious everyday dessert.

Decorating Tips

For a beautifully rustic look, swirl the icing with a spatula, creating peaks and waves. Garnish the top with a generous sprinkling of chopped pecans or, for a more decorative touch, arrange whole pecans in a circular pattern. If you're feeling artistic, pipe carrot shapes on top using tinted icing. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a nice finish and enhances the aroma of the cake.

1. Ingredients:
   • Cake:
     • 1 cup of sugar
     • ½ cup canola oil
     • 2 large eggs
     • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
     • 1 cup all-purpose flour
     • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
     • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
     • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
     • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
     • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
     • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
     • ¼ teaspoon of salt
     • 1-½ cup finely grated carrots
     • ½ cup chopped pecans

   • Icing:
     • ¼ cup salted butter, softened
     • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
     • 2 cups powdered sugar
     • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
     • 1 tablespoon of heavy cream

   • Additional chopped pecans for garnish
2. Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and salt; mix until well combined.
   • Stir in carrots and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
   • For the frosting, in a medium bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Add the heavy cream and whisk until the frosting is light and fluffy.
   • Spread frosting over cooled cake and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans.

Enjoy this Ultimate Homestyle Carrot Cake, a timeless dessert that promises to bring warmth and joy to your table!