Chocolate Carrot Cake

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Finely shredding the carrots gives this cake an extra-nice texture. The walnuts sprinkled on top add crunch, but you can leave them off if you prefer. —Pamela Brown, Williamsburg, Michigan
Chocolate Carrot Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 cups finely shredded carrots
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1-1/4 cups canola oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Line two 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended.
  2. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the frosting. Repeat with remaining cake layer. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 578 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.