Learn how to bake, store and decorate a delicious carrot cake for your next spring celebration. This easy carrot cake recipe, complete with fresh carrots, raisins and tangy cream cheese frosting, makes a fluffy and moist 2-layer carrot cake. Top your dessert with sweet buttercream carrots for the perfect finishing touch.
Made using fresh grated carrots and sweet raisins, this quick and easy carrot cake recipe makes a wonderful dessert for Easter or any spring celebration. One recipe makes two 9 in. cake layers and is the perfect pairing to our tangy homemade cream cheese frosting!Carrot cake can also be refrigerated or frozen, so you can make it ahead of time and decorate it when you’re ready. Learn how to properly bake and store your carrot cake, as well as how to add those cute piped buttercream carrots for a sweet finish!
Common Carrot Cake FAQs
How do I store carrot cake?
Storing an unfrosted carrot cake – While most unfrosted cakes can be kept at room temperature, carrot cake needs to be refrigerated. Since the ingredients include fresh carrots, the cake can develop mold if kept in a warm or humid climate. After your cake has completely cooled, wrap your individual cake layers in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.How to freeze carrot cake – To freeze your unfrosted cake layers, wrap your individual cake layers in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, which prevents freezer burn. When you’re ready to decorate, remove your layers from the freezer and loosen the foil. Place in the refrigerator to thaw completely, at least 24 hours. Avoid letting your cake thaw at room temperature, as it can cause your cake to become mushy and fall apart.Storing an iced carrot cake – If your carrot cake has been iced and decorated with cream cheese frosting, store it in the refrigerator. If left at room temperature, your cream cheese frosting will melt and fall off the cake. If your cake is uncut, it can be stored in the refrigerator, uncovered, for about a week. The icing acts as a protectant and will help keep your cake fresh and moist. If your cake has been cut, you can use plastic wrap or a cake caddy to protect your cake. You can also cover the exposed areas with extra cream cheese frosting to help seal in moisture.
How long will carrot cake last?
Unfrosted cake layers will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Frozen cake layers will keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.If your cake is iced and decorated (and uncut), it will keep for about 1 week in the refrigerator. If it has been cut, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for roughly 2 to 3 days.
Can I personalize this recipe?
Of course! The best way to figure out what you like is to have fun adding your favorite flavors, but here are a few of our suggestions:
- Try adding nuts, golden raisins or sweetened coconut
- Use a flavored cream cheese (like orange cream cheese) to add more flavor to your icing
- Try adding different fruits, like crushed pineapple, for added flavor and moisture
How do I fix runny cream cheese frosting?
If your frosting is runny, it could mean that your cream cheese has melted a bit. Try putting it back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to reset. You can also add more confectioners’ sugar to bring it back to the right consistency. Keep in mind that adding more sugar will make your icing sweeter, so be sure to taste as you go!
How do I make smooth cream cheese frosting?
For smooth icing, make sure your cream cheese and your butter are at room temperature. Beat them until they’re creamy and smooth before adding the remainder of your ingredients.
Carrot Cake Recipe
As an avid baking enthusiast with a deep passion for creating delightful desserts, I've not only honed my skills in the art of baking but also delved into the science behind it. With numerous successful baking ventures and a keen interest in perfecting recipes, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise to the table.
Now, let's dive into the intricacies of the article on baking, storing, and decorating a delicious carrot cake. The provided information covers various aspects, and I'll break down the key concepts:
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Carrot Cake Recipe:
- The recipe emphasizes using fresh grated carrots and sweet raisins for a flavorful twist.
- It results in a moist and fluffy 2-layer carrot cake, complemented by a tangy homemade cream cheese frosting.
- The finishing touch involves decorating the cake with sweet buttercream carrots.
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Baking and Storage Tips:
- Unfrosted carrot cake, due to its fresh carrot content, needs to be refrigerated to prevent mold development.
- For freezing, wrap individual cake layers first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw frozen cake layers in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to maintain texture.
- Iced and decorated carrot cakes with cream cheese frosting should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent melting.
- Unfrosted cake layers last about 1 week in the refrigerator, while frozen layers can be stored for 2 to 3 months.
- Iced and decorated cakes (uncut) last approximately 1 week in the refrigerator, and if cut, freshness is maintained for 2 to 3 days.
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Personalizing the Recipe:
- The article encourages personalization by suggesting various additions:
- Nuts, golden raisins, or sweetened coconut can be incorporated.
- Experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as orange cream cheese, for a unique icing flavor.
- Consider adding different fruits like crushed pineapple for added moisture and flavor.
- The article encourages personalization by suggesting various additions:
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Cream Cheese Frosting Tips:
- To fix runny cream cheese frosting, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes or add more confectioners’ sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
- For smooth cream cheese frosting, ensure both cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. Beat them until creamy before adding other ingredients.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide not only provides a delicious carrot cake recipe but also offers valuable insights into baking techniques, storage practices, personalization options, and tips for achieving perfect cream cheese frosting. Happy baking!
