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Moist Three-Layer Carrot Cake Recipe Perfect for Easy Homemade Desserts

moist three-layer carrot cake - featured image
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A moist and tender three-layer carrot cake with spiced layers and creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (can substitute with light olive oil)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (about 300g) finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk to blend evenly.
  3. In another large bowl, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Pour in vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and glossy.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently until no flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
  7. Divide batter evenly among the three pans, smoothing tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake on middle rack for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. While cakes cool, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
  11. Assemble cake by spreading frosting between layers and coating top and sides. Use an offset spatula for a rustic finish.
  12. Refrigerate assembled cake for at least one hour before serving to set frosting and meld flavors.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Use a kitchen scale to divide batter evenly among pans. Refrigerate cake before serving to set frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, three-layer cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, easy dessert, homemade cake, spiced cake

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/moist-three-layer-carrot-cake-recipe-perfect-for-easy-homemade-desserts/