Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard works well)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
- Sourdough starter
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Mix gently until just combined.
4. Add Carrots and Extras
Fold in:
- Grated carrots
- Walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Raisins (optional)
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting.
7. Make the Frosting
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and decorate with extra nuts if desired.
✅ Tip: This cake tastes even better the next day because the flavors develop more.
