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Easter carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and pastel candy eggs.
FestiveCook

Easter Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rated 5 from 1 vote
Moist and spiced carrot cake layered with creamy cream cheese frosting, a classic Easter dessert that’s easy to bake and perfect for celebrating.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tps baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium)
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz (225 g) | cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) | unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 2 × 9-inch round cake pans (greased and floured)
  • 1 × Mixing bowl (large)
  • 1 × Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 1 × Grater (for carrots)
  • 1 × Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Mix wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugars, and oil until smooth.
  4. Combine. Gradually add dry ingredients into wet, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts. Stir gently with a spatula.
  6. Bake. Divide batter into pans and bake 40–45 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely. Leave cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  8. Prepare frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy.
  9. Assemble. Spread frosting between cooled layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
  10. Decorate. Add extra walnuts, shredded coconut, or Easter-themed decorations if desired.

Notes

  • Can be baked a day in advance; store layers wrapped tightly and frost before serving.
  • For cupcakes: bake 18–22 minutes, makes ~24 cupcakes.
  • Adjust spices to taste for more warmth.
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