Elevate your dessert game with the iconic Magnolia Bakery Carrot Cake. This timeless confection is the epitome of moist, spiced delight, brimming with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting.
Magnolia Bakery’s renowned recipe, passed down through generations, offers a symphony of flavors and textures, marrying the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with the refreshing tang of cream cheese.
The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its rich history but in its simplicity. Easy to make, it invites both novice and experienced bakers to create a masterpiece.
Whether for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence, the Carrot Cake is an irresistible, soul-soothing treat that leaves a lasting impression. Discover the secret to baking perfection in your own kitchen, and savor the sweet nostalgia of this beloved classic.
Carrot Cake Magnolia Bakery Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions to make Carrot Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture, ensuring a thorough and well-blended combination.
- Gently incorporate the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts into the mixture (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer and then place the second cake layer on top. Spread frosting evenly over both the top and sides of the entire cake.
Recipe Tips
- Grate the Carrots Finely: To ensure a moist and tender cake, finely grate the carrots. This allows them to blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
Recipe Variations
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Turn this classic cake into cupcakes for individual servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Pineapple and Coconut: Add shredded coconut and extra crushed pineapple for a tropical twist on the traditional recipe.
- Raisins and Spices: Incorporate raisins and a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a spicier, fruitier variation.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Create a layered cake with a cream cheese filling in the center for an even more decadent treat.
What to Serve With Carrot Cake
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm and moist carrot cake. The contrast of temperatures and textures is a delightful experience for your taste buds.
- Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, adds a fruity and slightly tart element to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic accompaniment that enhances the cake’s richness with its light and airy texture.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over your carrot cake for an extra layer of sweetness and a touch of indulgence.
- Hot Beverage: Pair your carrot cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and aroma of the beverage complement the cake’s flavors beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts: For added texture and a nutty crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your cake or serve them on the side.
Conclusion
Magnolia Bakery’s Carrot Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the creaminess of cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a craving for something sweet.
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Magnolia Bakery Carrot Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture, ensuring a thorough and well-blended combination.
- Gently incorporate the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts into the mixture (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to cooling racks.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer and then place the second cake layer on top. Spread frosting evenly over both the top and sides of the entire cake.
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