Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There's something uniquely comforting about a slice of homemade Carrot Cake. This recipe delivers a perfectly moist, spiced crumb, generously studded with grated carrots, crunchy nuts, and sweet pineapple. Topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, it's a timeless classic that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.

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Creating this cake is a rewarding experience, filling your kitchen with the aromatic scent of warm spices. The process is straightforward, combining simple wet and dry ingredients to build a batter that's rich in flavor and texture. Let's gather what you'll need.

Ingredients

• For the Cake
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (220 g) grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup (140 g) crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, pineapple, and raisins (if using).

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 7

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.

Step 10

Once cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 11

Garnish with extra nuts or grated carrot, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping and adding them to the batter.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, or vice versa, based on your preference. If you're not a fan of raisins, you can easily omit them without affecting the cake's structure. For a nut-free version, simply leave out the nuts.

Serviervorschläge

This carrot cake is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a more decadent dessert experience, serve it with a glass of dessert wine. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Enjoy every bite of your homemade, perfectly spiced carrot cake!

Recipe FAQ

→ Why is my carrot cake dry?

Dryness usually results from overbaking or measuring too much flour. Check for doneness at the 35-minute mark—a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. Using room-temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter also helps maintain moisture.

→ Can I make carrot cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. The unfrosted layers can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for one day or frozen for up to three months. Thaw frozen layers overnight before frosting. Actually, the cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

→ Do I have to include pineapple and raisins?

Not necessarily. Traditional carrot cake variations exist—some prefer just carrots and nuts, while others love the extra moisture pineapple provides. Raisins are completely optional. The core requirements are grated carrots, warm spices, and cream cheese frosting.

→ How do I prevent cream cheese frosting from melting?

Always use completely cooled cake layers—warm cake will melt the frosting immediately. Keep your ingredients at cool room temperature, not warm. If your kitchen is hot, chill the frosted cake briefly before serving. The frosting contains enough butter to stay stable at normal room temperature.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Certainly. Walnuts and pecans are traditional, but toasted almonds or hazelnuts work beautifully too. For nut allergies, simply omit them entirely—the cake remains delicious with just carrots and pineapple. Some bakers add shredded coconut for texture instead.

→ What's the best way to grate carrots?

A box grater works perfectly—use the medium holes for ideal texture. Food processors with grating attachments save time but can make pieces too small. Aim for strands about 1-2 inches long. Three to four medium carrots typically yield the needed two cups.