Spring Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese
Spring baking is officially in full effect 🥕🌸
I made this soft carrot cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting and OMG… this might be one of my favorite spring desserts
🛒 INGREDIENTS:
Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups finely shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
🧈 Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
👩🏽🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon
3. Add oil, eggs, and vanilla—mix until smooth
4. Fold in shredded carrots and nuts
5. Pour into greased pan(s)
6. Bake 30–40 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean)
7. Let cool COMPLETELY before frosting
Frosting:
1. Melt butter in a pan until it turns golden brown (smells nutty 😮🔥)
2. Let it cool slightly
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth
4. Add brown butter + vanilla + salt
5. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until fluffy
✨ ASSEMBLY:
• Frost cake generously
• Top with chopped nuts (like yours 😍)
• Slice and try not to eat half the pan 😭
Baking this spring carrot cake has truly become one of my favorite seasonal treats. What I love most about this recipe is how the brown butter cream cheese frosting adds a deep, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the moist, spiced carrot cake. When browning the butter, make sure to watch it closely to avoid burning—the moment it smells fragrant and turns golden is the perfect time to remove it from heat. Using finely shredded carrots instead of chopped ones helps the cake stay soft and moist without becoming too chunky. For a personal twist, I like to add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon in the cake batter to enhance the warm spices. If you enjoy nuts, toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy frosting. Also, letting the cake cool completely is key before frosting — this prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off. This carrot cake is versatile and works great for family gatherings or as a sweet springtime indulgence. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee to elevate your dessert experience. Overall, this recipe is simple but impressive enough to showcase at any celebration during the spring season.
I made this and it got destroyed almost immediately, there was none left the next day 😂