Description
Indulge in the rich, moist, and perfectly spiced Starbucks-inspired carrot cake that’s topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe captures the essence of the beloved Starbucks treat, making it a must-try for any carrot cake enthusiast. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy dessert, this cake will surely impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this bakery-quality cake at home and enjoy it with your favorite coffee or tea. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo!
Ingredients
Cake
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4 eggs
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2 cups sugar
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1 cup oil
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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3 teaspoons cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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3/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 cups grated carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting
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1/2 cup softened butter
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3 oz softened cream cheese
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Prepare the Batter:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.
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Bake the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
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Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
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Add the milk and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
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Frost the Cake:
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Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
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If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of coffee or tea!
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Notes
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
Grate the carrots finely for a more even texture in the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake recipe