Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: The Perfect Treat
Carrot cake has long been a favorite dessert for its warm, spiced flavors, rich texture, and vibrant color. What could make this classic even better? A creamy layer of sweet cream cheese filling right in the center! This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Filling has it all – a soft and moist cake, a surprise filling, and an optional frosting that ties it all together. Perfect for celebrations or simply as a cozy treat, this cake brings a bit of elegance and comfort to any occasion.
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Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium speed.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Set aside the filling while you prepare the carrot cake batter.
Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up.. Grease and line a 9x13-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them.
Step 3: Layer the Cake and Filling
- Pour half of the carrot cake batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and spread it evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter layer, spreading it out gently.
- Pour the remaining carrot cake batter on top of the cream cheese layer, smoothing it carefully to cover the filling.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. If you’re baking two round cakes, start checking them around the 40-minute mark.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan(s) before frosting or serving.
Step 5: Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake for an extra creamy finis
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
- Use Fresh Grated Carrots: Pre-grated carrots may be drier and less flavorful. Grating your own carrots ensures better texture and moisture.
- Drain the Pineapple: Too much liquid from the pineapple can make the cake soggy, so be sure to drain it well before adding.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs helps ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Experiment with Nuts and Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a twist, or try pecans instead of walnuts. They both add a great texture.
- Chill the Cake Before Slicing: Letting the cake cool or even refrigerating it slightly helps the cream cheese filling set, making it easier to slice.
This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is the ultimate dessert experience – a delightful mix of classic flavors with a creamy twist. The gentle spices in the carrot cake pair beautifully with the sweet tang of the cream cheese filling. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake makes a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for any occasion.