Sourdough Carrot Cake

Meriem Tablit

A moist, flavorful sourdough carrot cake made with simple ingredients and topped with rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for using sourdough discard while creating a soft, tender crumb and balanced sweetness.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Rest Time (Cooling) 1

Total Time 2

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices (2-layer 8-inch cake)

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater
2 round cake pans (8-inch)
Spatula
Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

200 g sourdough discard
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

250 g cream cheese softened
½ cup unsalted butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard until smooth.
Add grated carrots and mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Stir in chopped nuts.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow cakes to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and fluffy.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick, even layer of frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer and gently press down to level it.
Apply a thin “crumb coat” layer of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 15–20 minutes.
Spread a final thicker layer of frosting over the top and sides using a spatula.
Smooth the sides or create swirls for a rustic finish.
Decorate with nuts, seeds, or shredded carrots if desired. Slice and serve.

Notes

💡 Extra Pro Tips

If frosting is too soft → chill for 10 minutes
If frosting is too thick → add 1–2 teaspoons milk
Level cake layers with a knife for a professional look
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting
Toast nuts before decorating for better crunch and taste

Keyword sourdough carrot cake, sourdough disard cake, sourdough disard carrot cake