Brenda's Carrot Cake

Brenda's Carrot Cake is the ultimate dessert for carrot cake lovers, combining moist, spiced perfection with a rich cream cheese frosting. Packed with freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and an optional crunch from toasted pecans or walnuts, this homemade classic delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Enhanced with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is irresistibly comforting. The fluffy cream cheese frosting, made with just the right amount of tangy sweetness, perfectly complements the cake's hearty flavors. Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion, this two-layer cake comes together in under an hour and serves up to 12. Whether you're a baking pro or a beginner, Brenda’s Carrot Cake is a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting if needed)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 5

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 7

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 9

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of one layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 11

Decorate with additional pecans or walnuts if desired. Slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2641.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9089.3

Total Fat 487.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 152.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1255.9mg	0%
Sodium 5284.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1161.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.5g	0%
Total Sugars 929.6g
Protein 83.5g	0%

Vitamin D 237.3IU	0%
Calcium 694.4mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 2359.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.8%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 49.6%