Carrot & Orange Dream Cake Recipe
This carrot & orange dream cake recipe combines sweet carrots, citrusy orange, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting for a soft, moist, and delicious treat.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Grater for carrots and orange zest
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- 9-inch round or square cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula or knife for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 oranges
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons orange juice for consistency
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. Grate carrots and zest the oranges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Carrots and Nuts
- Gently fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in vanilla and 1–2 tablespoons orange juice to reach desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble Cake
- Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting between layers and on top. Garnish with extra orange zest or chopped nuts if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make a huge difference
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting
- Adjust frosting consistency with orange juice as needed