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Can you leave carrot cake with cream cheese frosting out?

When serving or preparing carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, you might wonder how long it can safely sit out at room temperature. While this dessert is undeniably delicious, cream cheese frosting contains perishable ingredients, making proper storage a must. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for keeping your carrot cake fresh and safe to eat.

  • Total Time: 14 minute
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice or milk

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Mix dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Mix wet ingredients:
    In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
  • Combine and fold:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts.
  • Bake:
    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
  • Make the frosting:
    Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice or milk, beating until well combined and fluffy.
  • Assemble the cake:
    Once the cakes have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate if not serving immediately.

Notes

While carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious dessert, it requires proper storage to stay fresh and safe to eat. Always refrigerate the cake after 2 hours at room temperature, and consider freezing it for longer storage. With these tips, your carrot cake will stay moist and ready to enjoy for days.

For more tips on storing cakes and desserts, check out the best methods for refrigerating cakes and freezing cakes with frosting.

  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, storing carrot cake, cream cheese frosting recipe, moist carrot cake recipe, classic carrot cake, easy carrot cake recipe, best carrot cake