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close up view of carrot cake with slices missing.
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4.95 from 17 votes

Aunt Frankie’s Carrot Cake

Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 853kcal
Author Stacey Little

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (optional; toasted and divided)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 3 lightly greased 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper; lightly grease parchment paper. Sift together first 3 ingredients. Set aside.
  • Beat sugar and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed just until blended and stopping to scrape down sides. Fold in carrots and 1 cup walnuts or pecans. Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:

  • Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Stir in vanilla.

Assemble:

  • Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
  • Arrange remaining 1/2 cup of nuts around outer edge on top of cake.
  • Cut with a serrated knife. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for longer.

Notes

If you don't have self-rising flour, you can use 2 cups of all-purpose flour and add in 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. You will still need to add the baking soda as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 853kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 74g | Vitamin A: 6189IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg


* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste.

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