Cinematic overhead shot of a rustic marble countertop featuring grated orange carrots, creamy frosting swirls, pineapple chunks, chopped walnuts, and flour dusting, all beautifully arranged in a warm, cozy kitchen with vintage utensils and a rich amber and cream color palette.

Carrot Cake with Orange Frosting: The Ultimate Moist and Zesty Dessert

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: 30-55 minutes
Total Time: 1-1.5 hours
Servings: 10-16 slices
Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary Information
  • Vegetarian
  • Contains common allergens (wheat, eggs, dairy, optional nuts)

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools
Nice-to-Have Extras

Ingredients for Cake Perfection

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1-2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5-1 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.5-1 tsp ground nutmeg

Overhead view of a rustic marble countertop adorned with carrot cake ingredients, including golden grated carrots, flour dusting, vibrant orange zest spirals, and eggs in ceramic bowls, all bathed in warm kitchen lighting.

Wet Ingredients
  • 3-4 large eggs
  • 0.75-1 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3.5 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 0.5-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Baking Method: Step by Step

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
  2. Grease and flour your baking pan
  3. Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl
  4. In separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla
  5. Gradually mix wet and dry ingredients
  6. Fold in carrots, pineapple, and nuts
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan
  8. Bake 35-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
  9. Cool completely before frosting

Hands folding grated carrots into cake batter in a large ceramic bowl, with flour particles illuminated by golden sunlight, while pineapple chunks and chopped walnuts sit nearby in a warm, cozy kitchen setting.

Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake

Crucial Baking Advice
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy cake
  • Let cake cool completely before frosting
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best texture

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions
  • Refrigerate in airtight container
  • Keeps fresh for 5 days
  • Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
Serving Suggestions
  • Serve at room temperature
  • Pairs beautifully with black tea or coffee
  • Garnish with extra orange zest or chopped nuts

Delicious Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend
  • Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based cream cheese
  • Nut-Free: Omit walnuts
  • Cupcake Version: Bake in muffin tins for 18-22 minutes
Nutrition Highlight

Packed with vitamin A from carrots, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors!

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