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Classic Carrot Cake Recipe with Brown Butter Frosting

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A moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with a rich, nutty brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups (about 5–6 medium) freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180ml) canola or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup unsalted butter. Stir frequently until golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Grate about 3 cups of carrots using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Fold in grated carrots and nuts if using.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cool.
  10. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with cooled brown butter. Gradually add powdered sugar and maple syrup or honey, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

Notes

Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Brown butter carefully over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, brown butter frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, classic carrot cake, dessert, baking

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/classic-carrot-cake-recipe-with-brown-butter-frosting-easy-and-perfect/