Autumn Chaos Carrot Cake Spiced (Printable)

Moist carrot cake meets spicy frosting, delivering autumn flavors and rich, comforting textures.

# Ingredient list:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 3/4 cup vegetable oil
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups finely grated carrots
15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

→ Spiced Frosting

16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 3 cups confectioners' sugar
19 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
20 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
21 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
22 - 1 tablespoon milk

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
04 - Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Remove cakes from oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
07 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and creamy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
08 - Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread half of the frosting over top, then set second layer on top and cover with remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make with one bowl and basic pantry ingredients
  • Stays moist for days and is even better after resting overnight
  • Loaded with fragrant autumn spices and nutty texture
  • Pairs perfectly with a tangy spiced cream cheese frosting
  • Suitable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
02 -
  • High in vitamin A and beta carotene thanks to the carrots
  • Moist crumb that lasts for three days on the counter or longer if refrigerated
  • Frosting can be spiced up or mellowed depending on your preference
03 -
  • Always toast your nuts before folding them into the batter for the richest flavor
  • Let the frosted cake chill at least thirty minutes before slicing for tidy layers
  • If your carrots seem too wet after grating gently blot them with a paper towel to keep the crumb light

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