BEST CARROT CAKE RECIPE

Best Carrot Cake Recipe image

Provided by Beth Pierce

Categories Cakes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 21

CARROT CAKE
2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 1/3 c vegetable oil
1 1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 c grated carrots
1 3/4 c chopped pecans
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1/2 c butter softened
1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 c powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 round cakes pans thoroughly.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, oil, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla. Using a spoon stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in three intervals; just until incorporated. Stir in the carrots and 3/4 cup chopped pecans just until mixed. Divide evenly between pans. Bake for 30-35 minute or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
3. Cool pans on cooling racks for 30 minutes prior to inverting. Cool completely before frosting.
4. In stand mixer on medium using paddle attachment beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, creamy and lump free. Add salt and vanilla extract while continuing to beat; scraping down the beater and sides of the bowl. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time while beating; scraping down the beater and bowl a couple more times.
5. Place one of the cooled baked cake layers on a cake stand. Use a little short of 3/4 cup of frosting on the bottom layer and spread evenly. Now add the second layer and spread about 1 cup on the top. Use about 1 cup on the sides and reserve the rest for piping the edge if desired.
6. Use your hands to gently press the remaining chopped pecans (1 cup) on to the sides of the cake. Scoop up any pieces that fall along the way and press again. If desired pipe top or bottom edge. Refrigerate until ready to serve.