Description
This carrot cake with orange glaze recipe stands out from traditional carrot cakes because of its perfect balance of warm spices and bright citrus notes. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a cozy, aromatic base, while the orange glaze adds a refreshing twist that elevates the entire dessert. Unlike standard carrot cakes that rely solely on cream cheese frosting, this version features both cream cheese frosting and a stunning orange glaze that creates beautiful drips down the sides of the cake.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1¼ cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Additional orange zest
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Candied orange peel (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans
- Line bottoms with parchment paper
- Dust with flour
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger
- Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, whisk together oil, eggs, and sugar until well combined
- Stir in vanilla extract
- Combine and Add Carrots
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined
- Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using)
- Bake
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks
- Cool completely before frosting
Notes
For extra texture and flavor, fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. This cake also tastes wonderful served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting on the side.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Carrot Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe