The Best Carrot Cake in Colorado Springs with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Imagine a moist, flavorful carrot cake, perfectly balanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right? This classic combination is a staple in many households, but sometimes, it’s hard to find a recipe that truly stands out from the crowd. That is, until you try this best carrot cake in Colorado Springs with cream cheese frosting recipe. With its unique blend of spices, tender texture, and rich flavors, this cake is sure to become your new go-to.
carrot cake cream cheese frosting Ingredients:
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- 2 large eggs
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- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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- 2 teaspoons baking powder
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- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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- 1 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
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- 2 cups (250g) grated carrots
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- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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- 1 cup (240ml) plain Greek yogurt
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- 1/2 cup (120ml) cream cheese frosting (see below)
carrot cake cream cheese frosting Step-by-Step Guide:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just combined. Stir in grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), and yogurt. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
carrot cake cream cheese frosting Variations:
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- Substitute chopped pineapple or apple for the nuts for added sweetness and texture.
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- Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option.
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- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique twist on the classic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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- Don’t overmix the batter, or you’ll end up with a dense cake.
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- Make sure to use fresh and high-quality spices to get the best flavors.
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- Don’t skip the yogurt – it’s essential for moisture and texture.
Storing and Freezing
To store, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
carrot cake cream cheese frosting Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 slice):
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- Calories: 320
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- Fat: 16g
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- Carbohydrates: 41g
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- Fiber: 2g
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- Protein: 4g
carrot cake cream cheese frosting Baking Tips
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- Choose high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
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- Don’t overbake – a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
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- If the cake is too dense, try adding a little more flour next time.
Frosting and Decoration Ideas
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- Top with cream cheese frosting (see below) and decorate with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
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- Use leftover frosting to create a simple glaze or drizzle over the top of the cake.
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- Get creative with Halloween-themed designs, like jack-o’-lanterns or bats, using frosting and chopped nuts.
carrot cake cream cheese frosting FAQs
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups (300g) for a slightly less sweet cake.
Q: What’s the best way to store the cake?
A: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep at room temperature or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, the frosting can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the best carrot cake in Colorado Springs with cream cheese frosting recipe. With its tender texture, rich flavors, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try it out and let us know what you think!