Carrot cake is fine on its own, but let’s be real – a little latte-infused frosting never hurt anyone. This cake isn’t just another vegetable-filled dessert; it’s a caffeine lover’s dream. The warm, spiced carrot layers get dressed up in a creamy frosting that’s a mix of smooth coffee and rich cream cheese. Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of your everyday carrot cake, ready to impress without even trying. So, if you’re ready to ditch the plain frosting and add some espresso flair, this cake is calling your name.
Carrot Cake with Latte-Infused Frosting
A moist carrot cake paired with a velvety latte-infused frosting, combining rich coffee and comforting spices.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
For the Latte-Infused Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add eggs, oil, grated carrots, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, espresso, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread frosting on top of one cake layer, then stack the second layer. Frost the entire cake.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Iron: 6%
- Calcium: 4%
- Magnesium: 5%
- Zinc: 3%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Add chopped pecans or shredded coconut for a delightful twist in texture.
- Don’t skip the espresso – it’s the secret to the frosting’s charm.
- Refrigerate leftovers; the frosting firms up nicely after chilling.
