BA's Best Carrot Cake
BA's Best Carrot Cake is a flavorful Continental Desserts & Baking dish prepared with quality ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionPreheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly coat two 9"-diameter cake pans with nonstick spray.
Line bottoms with parchment paper rounds; lightly coat rounds with nonstick spray.
If using raisins and rum, heat together in a small saucepan over low just until warm, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit until liquid is absorbed and raisins are plump, 15–20 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes; let cool.
Combine carrots and buttermilk in a medium bowl.
Whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick, about 4 minutes.
Reduce speed to medium-low and gradually stream in oil.
Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with carrot mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
Fold in raisins, if using, and walnuts with a rubber spatula.
Scrape batter into prepared pans.
Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 35–45 minutes.
Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool 10 minutes.
Run a knife around sides of cakes and invert onto wire rack; remove parchment.
Let cool completely.
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth, about 1 minute.
Beat in vanilla extract and salt.
Reduce speed to low and gradually mix in powdered sugar.
Increase speed to high and beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Place 1 cake, domed side down, on a platter.
Spread 3/4 cup frosting evenly over top.
Place remaining cake, domed side down, on top.
Spread top and sides with 1 1/4 cups frosting and chill 30 minutes to let frosting set.
Spread remaining frosting over top and sides, swirling decoratively.
Top with Candied Carrot Coins, if desired.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.