Go Back
Print

Chocolate Carrot Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Everything you love about classic carrot cake, right down to the cream cheese frosting, but madeover with a heap of CHOCOLATE! This Chocolate Carrot Cake is an epic twist on a classic, and you'll love the unique flavor and texture of this ultra-moist cake! 
Course Cake
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 12
Author Sarah

Ingredients

For chocolate carrot cake layers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely shredded carrots
  • 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

For chocolate cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz. package cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup butter softened
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp. heavy cream
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips optional garnish

Instructions

For chocolate carrot cake layers:

  • In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, oil, vanilla, and carrots, stirring until just combined. 
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Divide batter evenly between two well-greased 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  • Remove to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, prepare chocolate cream cheese frosting.

For chocolate cream cheese frosting:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Beat in vanilla and 2 tbsp. heavy cream.
  • Add 4 cups powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until thick and creamy. Add additional powdered sugar and heavy cream, as needed, to achieve a frosting of medium consistency. Thick, but spreadable, and will not run off the cake!

To assemble:

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate, and cover it with 1/3 of the frosting.
  • Place the second cake layer on top of the first, and spread it with 1/3 of the frosting.
  • Use remaining frosting to frost the sides and to pipe on top using a star tip.
  • If desired, sprinkle with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Allow 20-30 minutes for frosting to set. Cut and serve.