Ultimate Layered Carrot Cake with Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: A Classic Reinvented

Immerse yourself in the comforting flavors of this ultimate layered carrot cake, made with two layers of moist, spicy carrot sponge cake, enriched with a rich, creamy cheese frosting. Whether you choose traditional or vegan ingredients, this cake guarantees a luxurious texture and delicious taste, making it a timeless favorite for all occasions.

Why you'll love it: This carrot cake recipe brings out the best in its ingredients, with the natural sweetness of carrots and the delicious crunch of walnuts optional. The cream cheese frosting is smooth and deliciously creamy, providing the perfect balance to the spicy cake layers. It's a satisfying dessert that combines simplicity and decadence.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries or any festive gathering where you want to impress. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday tables, especially for Easter and Thanksgiving, where carrot cake is a popular dessert.

Decorating Tips: For a rustic and charming look, sprinkle the top with toasted walnuts and a few reserved cake crumbs for texture. For a neater finish, pipe additional frosting around the edges and top with decorative carrot shapes or a light sprinkling of cinnamon.

Carrot Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup + 1/3 cup milk (dairy-free or regular, unsweetened)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup oil
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 cups + 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups + 1/2 cup grated carrots (about 5-6 medium sized)
• 2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature (vegan if desired)
• 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature (vegan if using)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or cinnamon powder

Trim:

• 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
• Cake crumbs from trimmings

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine milk, oil, vanilla extract and sugars. Whisk until the sugars dissolve.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Gently fold in the grated carrots and walnuts. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a rack.
6. For the frosting, whisk the butter until fluffy. Gradually add half the caster sugar and the vanilla or cinnamon, then the remaining sugar until smooth. Add the cream cheese and whisk until creamy.
7. replaces the word nice with empty assemble, cut the top of each cake to level it. Place one cake layer on a plate, spread with 3/4 cup frosting, then top with the second cake layer. Pipe frosting onto the top and sides of the cake.
8. Decorate with cake crumbs and chopped nuts.

Enjoy this delicious carrot cake with its perfect balance of flavors and textures, making every occasion a little sweeter and memorable!