For the Carrot Cake

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For the Carrot Cake

Ultra-Moist • Spiced • Holiday Flavors • Crowd-Pleaser

This festive carrot cake is packed with warm Christmas spices, sweet carrots, optional raisins or nuts, and a creamy, silky frosting. Perfect for Christmas dinners, parties, or gifting!

⭐ Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar or brown sugar

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ tsp ginger powder

  • ¼ tsp cloves (optional but very Christmasy!)

  • 3 large eggs

  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil

  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk or milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2½ cups (260g) finely grated carrots

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • ½ cup raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries (optional and festive!)

  • Zest of 1 orange (adds beautiful Christmas flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 200g cream cheese (softened)

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2½ cups (300g) powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ tsp orange zest (optional but makes it CHRISTMAS PERFECT)

🎂 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line or grease two 8-inch pans, or one 9×13 tray.

2️⃣ Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • flour

  • sugar

  • baking powder

  • baking soda

  • salt

  • cinnamon

  • nutmeg

  • ginger

  • cloves

Set aside.

3️⃣ Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

  • eggs

  • oil

  • buttermilk

  • vanilla

Mix until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine

  • Add wet mixture to dry mixture.

  • Fold gently.

  • Add carrots, nuts, raisins, and orange zest.

  • Do not overmix.

5️⃣ Bake

  • Divide batter into pans.

  • Bake 25–35 minutes or until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool completely before frosting.

6️⃣ Make the Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese + butter until creamy.

  • Add powdered sugar gradually.

  • Mix in vanilla and orange zest.

  • Beat until fluffy and smooth.

7️⃣ Assemble

  • Spread frosting between layers.

  • Frost the top and sides.

  • Decorate with:

    • chopped walnuts

    • cranberries

    • dried orange slices

    • holiday sprinkles

    • or simple carrot curls

🎄 It looks stunning on a Christmas table!

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