old fashioned carrot cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned carrot cake recipe

I’m so glad you’re interested in this old-fashioned carrot cake recipe. It’s a family favorite that’s been passed down for generations. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. There’s something special about the combination of grated carrots, chopped nuts, and spices that just makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

And let’s not forget the cream cheese frosting – it’s the perfect complement to the moist, fluffy cake. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether we’re celebrating a birthday or just need a pick-me-up on a Tuesday, this cake is always a good idea. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make. Just mix together the wet ingredients, add in the dry ingredients, and voila! You’ve got yourself a beautiful, delicious cake. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

We like to serve it as a snack or dessert, but it’s also perfect for breakfast or brunch. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even top it with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra-special treat. But what really sets this recipe apart is the health benefits. With carrots as the main ingredient, you know you’re getting a good dose of vitamin A and fiber.

And let’s not forget about all the spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – they’re all packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Of course, there are plenty of other recipes out there that claim to be ‘old-fashioned.’ But trust me when I say this one is the real deal. It’s been around for decades, and it’s still one of the most popular recipes out there for good reason.

So go ahead and give it a try! Your taste buds will thank you.

Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

4.7 from 1690 votes

A classic, moist carrot cake recipe with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is packed with fresh carrots, warm spices, and a hint of pineapple.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 15 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup raisins

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4Mix well and set aside.
5In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
6Gradually add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8Fold in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and raisins.
9Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
10Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
12In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
13Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
14Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
15Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
16Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
17Slice and serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 400mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, you can add a layer of cream cheese frosting between two layers of cake. To make it easier to cut, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Carrot Cake Works

This old fashioned carrot cake is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a classic recipe that never fails to impress. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy day at home.

You can serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s also a great way to use up extra carrots from your garden or the farmer’s market. You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you need to store it longer, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

It’s a versatile cake that can be enjoyed any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert after dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

Q: Can I use fresh carrots instead of frozen?

No, using fresh carrots will result in a denser cake that may not be as flavorful.

Q: What type of nuts should I use?

Walnuts are traditional in carrot cake recipes because they have a rich flavor that complements the spices.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: How do I ensure my cake is fully cooked?

Cook your cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

No, Greek yogurt has a different consistency than sour cream and will alter the texture of your cake.

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