Go Back
how to decorate a carrot cake

Moist Carrot Cake with Elegant Decorations

This moist carrot cake is enhanced with cream cheese frosting and decorated with delightful carrot peel rosettes and candied carrots for an elegant finish. Follow these simple techniques on how to decorate a carrot cake for special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 15
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 107
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups (330 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups (360 g) finely grated carrots
  • 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 8 cups (960 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for candied carrots)
  • 1/2 cup water (for candied carrots)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and grated carrots, mixing until well incorporated.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
  6. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
  7. For candied carrots, heat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water until dissolved, and then dip carrot peels for decoration.
  8. Assemble the cake by layering the two cake layers with cream cheese frosting in between and frosting the outside.
  9. Decorate with candied carrot peels piled on top and any additional decorations you desire.

Notes

Nutrition Information Source: Data from USDA FoodData Central Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.