04/16/2026
Nutty Carrot Layer Cake with Cream Cheese
Frosting
This recipe balances a moist, dense carrot sponge packed with almonds, spices, and a hint of dates, all enveloped in a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4–5 carrots)
• ½ cup chopped almonds (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup chopped dates or raisins
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 12 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened, not whipped)
• 5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch pan. (This recipe makes a sturdy 2-layer cake.)
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Slowly whisk in the oil and vanilla extract until completely combined.
4. Combine
Add the grated carrots to the wet ingredients and mix well.
Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the chopped almonds and chopped dates.
5. Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed at first and then on high until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
7. Assemble
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Finish by generously scattering whole and chopped almonds over the top and around the sides.