Pumpkin spice and carrot cake are two beloved flavors of fall. Combining them into one delightful dessert creates a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for autumn gatherings. This pumpkin spice carrot cake recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and friends. With a rich cream cheese frosting and a hint of warm spices, this cake is a must-try for the fall season.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Carrot Cake
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Carrot Cake
Follow these steps to prepare and bake your pumpkin spice carrot cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, grated carrots, and pumpkin puree.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
About the Main Ingredients
Carrots
- Carrots add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. They also provide a vibrant color and a slight crunch.
Pumpkin Puree
- Pumpkin puree adds a rich, earthy flavor and moist texture to the cake. It also contributes to the beautiful orange color.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves)
- These spices add warmth and depth of flavor to the cake, complementing the sweetness of the carrots and pumpkin.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for carrot cake, adding a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet cake. It’s a perfect pairing for the fall flavors in this dessert.
This pumpkin spice carrot cake is a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for fall. With its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite for your autumn celebrations. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear!
