Miss Jane'S Famous Carrot Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful carrot cake with warm spices and creamy frosting, perfect for celebrations or as a delightful treat for family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions

  1. Combine the grated carrots, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in the well-beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is well blended.
  3. Spoon the batter evenly into three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Allow the cakes to cool slightly before spreading Cream Cheese Frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moist carrot cake, ensure the grated carrots are fresh and finely shredded. If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. To enhance flavor, add chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter. If you want a spice kick, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. This recipe can also be adapted into cupcakes for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful carrot cake at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. This cake is also a fantastic dessert option for celebrations and can be complemented with Broiled Tomato Slices as a savory side.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the frosting fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Miss Jane'S Famous Carrot Cake contains roughly 413 calories, with 3g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

413 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 11.3g 14% DV
Carbs 84.3g 31% DV
Fiber 19g 68% DV
Sugar 45.2g 90% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 604.1mg 26% DV
Potassium 654.1mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 577.8mcg 64% DV
Vitamin C 17.9mg 20% DV
Calcium 386.1mg 30% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser cake. For the best texture, consider using a mix of both flours, or try white whole wheat flour for a lighter option.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you need an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. For each egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your batter.

How can I make the cream cheese frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, try adding a pinch of salt or incorporating a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will balance the sweetness and add a creamy tang that complements the carrot cake beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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