Description
A rich and moist carrot cake made with browned butter, filled with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (browned until golden and nutty)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, full-fat)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for frosting)
Instructions
- Brown the butter by melting 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the milk solids turn golden brown and smell nutty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Combine browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, and then stir in vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and nuts if using.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
- Beat cream cheese and 4 tablespoons butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until creamy, and add lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble by placing one cake layer on a serving plate, frosting the top, adding the second layer, and frosting the top and sides. Optionally sprinkle with chopped nuts or cinnamon.
Notes
For a sugar-free version, consider using stevia or monk fruit. Make sure not to rush the browning of butter for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg