If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the refreshing zing of citrus, this orange spiced carrot cake is the answer. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for any occasion, this cake brings together the earthiness of carrots, the sweetness of orange, and the comforting warmth of spices.
Baking this cake fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes it nearly impossible to resist. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself – we won’t judge! With its moist texture and vibrant flavor, this cake is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
The Ultimate Orange Spiced Carrot Cake Recipe
This orange spiced carrot cake is infused with freshly grated carrots, a hint of orange zest, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, each slice offers a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dessert for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If desired, fold in nuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the other cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious orange spiced carrot cake!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g