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Barefoot Contessa Carrot Cake Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Carrot Cake Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Carrot Cake Recipe is moist, flavorful and loaded with carrots, nuts and warm spices.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert / Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
  

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch pans and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth and uniform.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  • Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid dense cake texture.

Fold in Carrots and Nuts

  • Add grated carrots and chopped nuts. Gently fold them into the batter, keeping it light and airy.

Pour Batter into Pans

  • Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.

Bake the Cake

  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid opening oven too early.

Cool the Cake

  • Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Make Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Notes

  • Grate carrots finely for a smooth texture or coarsely for more bite.
  • Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor before adding to batter.
  • Add ½ cup crushed pineapple for additional moisture.
  • Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for tropical variation.
  • Use cream cheese frosting flavored with orange zest for a citrus twist.
  • Chill cake before slicing for clean layers.
Keyword Barefoot Contessa Carrot Cake Recipe