If you’re on the hunt for the best carrot cake recipe that’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, look no further! This carrot cake has a unique twist, incorporating carrot baby food to achieve an incredibly smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a creamy, rich frosting and garnished with chopped pecans, this cake is perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat anytime. Here’s everything you need to make this carrot cake your new favorite dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 3 (4-oz) jars carrot baby food (such as Gerber Stage 2)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a single 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and oil.
- Add in the carrot baby food and stir until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes if using round pans, or 40–45 minutes for a 9×13 pan.
- The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and free of batter.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for garnish, or press them around the sides of the cake for a decorative finish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this moist and flavorful carrot cake, savoring each bite of creamy frosting and spiced cake.
- Refrigerate any leftovers.
Conclusion:
This ultimate carrot cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together a moist, delicately spiced cake with the perfect balance of sweetness and a luscious cream cheese frosting. The unique addition of carrot baby food ensures a smooth texture without grating carrots, making it a quick and easy dessert to whip up. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply indulging, this carrot cake is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation! Enjoy every bite of this deliciously decadent cake.