Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert that's both easy to make and utterly irresistible? Then look no further! This recipe for Grandma's Carrot Cake is a family favorite, passed down through generations. It's the perfect blend of moist, spiced cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy walnuts – a true taste of homemade happiness. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meal options (with a few tweaks!), and quick dinner ideas if you're looking for a dessert to complement a savory meal.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Carrot Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers release easily.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of spices.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Carrots & Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. A stand mixer works great here, but a hand mixer works just fine too!
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frost the Layers: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate (Optional): You can decorate your carrot cake with extra walnuts, shredded carrots, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use fresh carrots: Freshly grated carrots will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with the frosting: Try adding different extracts, like almond or orange, for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
- Add pineapple: Chopped pineapple adds a delicious tropical twist.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar. Consider using applesauce in place of some of the oil for added moisture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Fat: Around 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Grandma's Carrot Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking efforts! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need a sweet treat that's both delicious and easy to make. It’s one of the best recipes out there for satisfying that sweet tooth!