Description
Rich, velvety Starbucks carrot cake brings warmth to classic dessert lovers with its perfect blend of spices and cream cheese frosting. Moist layers promise comfort and indulgence, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this beloved coffeehouse treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup oil
- 4 eggs
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking equipment by coating two 9-inch round pans with grease and flour, then preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Create a smooth mixture by vigorously whisking eggs, sugar, and oil in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate container, thoroughly blend dry ingredients including flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
- Fold grated carrots into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Carefully transfer the batter into prepared pans, distributing evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
- Allow cake layers to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks for complete cooling.
- Prepare frosting by whipping softened butter and cream cheese until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce vanilla extract to the creamy mixture, then gradually sift in powdered sugar, adjusting consistency with small amounts of milk.
- Once cake layers are completely cooled, apply frosting between layers and across entire cake surface.
- Optional: Garnish cake top and sides with finely chopped walnuts for additional texture and flavor.
- Chill the frosted cake in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and better cake rise.
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and moisture throughout the cake.
- Consider adding pineapple or applesauce for extra moisture and natural sweetness.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Reduce sugar by using half sugar and half monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.
- Cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Ensure cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 47 g
- Sodium: 266 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg