Lemon zest complements the natural tang of cream cheese for an extra-flavorful frosting. When it comes to topping carrot cake, nothing else compares.

This is a great anytime cake; perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack or even a slightly decadent breakfast. You won’t be able to identify the kick of cayenne—you’ll just notice that the cake is exceptionally flavorful.

I can’t taste carrot cake without thinking of my friend, Barbara Buser, who used to prepare the treat every time our young families got together. In those days, Barbara and I could polish off most of a cake in a single afternoon! My version features Barbara’s incredibly moist cake, plus an updated icing that’s a little less sweet than the original—but equally impossible to resist. .

When I set out to master red velvet cake, I found many recipes just short of perfection – some were not as moist as I’d like, and others were a truly scary color. After lots of experimentation, I’ve arrived at my own personal favorite; moist and delicious with a rich, sophisticated hue. Don’t plan on leftovers.