Homemade Southern Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Homemade Southern Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at Home

Recipes may be AI-assisted. Always verify ingredients for allergies and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups carrots
• 2 cups cake flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk until well blended.

3. 3

   Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted butter (if using) to the carrot mixture. Mix until combined.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

6. 6

   Fold in the chopped pecans.

7. 7

   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. 9

   Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

10. 10

    While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.

11. 11

    Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.

12. 12

    Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

13. 13

    Decorate with additional chopped pecans if desired.

14. 14

    Slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade Southern carrot cake!