Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
  • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 4 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil
  • ½ cup Buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 3 cups Finely Grated Carrots
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans, toasted
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
  2. Whisk together all dry cake ingredients (Flour, both sugars, baking soda, spices, salt) in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until just combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand only until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the grated carrots and toasted pecans using a rubber spatula.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 35–45 minutes. Test for doneness: A skewer inserted into the centre should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  8. Cool cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  10. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low, then increasing speed. Mix in vanilla and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Place the first cooled layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of frosting. Top with the second layer.
  12. Apply a thin 'crumb coat' over the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes. Apply the final, thick layer of frosting to complete the ultimate Carrot Cake.