A slice of delicious, spicy carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting is just the best. Any occasion—from a family get-together to a birthday celebration to a weekend treat—this Easy Carrot Cake Recipe is the ideal go-to dessert.
Rich with freshly grated carrots, toasty spices, and crunchy almonds, this cake has a soft texture and great flavor in every mouthful. Moreover, using basic cupboard items, making from scratch seems effortless. Successful whipping is possible for even novice bakers. This carrot cake can satisfy your sweet tooth if you’re yearning for a traditional dessert that seems handmade and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Carrot Cake
There are numerous reasons to develop feelings for this carrot cake. The cake is rather moist and tasty, thanks to a great mix of freshly shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and toasty spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Particularly when combined with the rich, sour cream cheese icing, the cake finds the perfect mix of texture and sweetness.
Designed for both novice and expert bakers, this recipe is also simple and fail-safe. It calls for neither expensive instruments nor rare components. Every time, you will receive excellent results.
Last but not least, it is flexible. Bake it as cupcakes, sheet cake, or even layer cake! Plus, it’s a terrific way to convert vegetables into your dessert—hello, carrots—without anybody knowing. This carrot cake is certain to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it during Easter, birthdays, or just a Sunday supper.
Ingredients
For this easy carrot cake, you’ll need basic pantry staples and a few fresh additions. Here’s a breakdown:
- All-purpose flour – The structural base of the cake. Be sure to measure correctly for the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda – These leavening agents give the cake rise and fluff.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth. You can also include a pinch of ginger for extra spice.
- Salt – Just a touch to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar – The mix of white and brown sugars gives richness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil – Makes the cake extra moist without needing butter.
- Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the batter.
- Vanilla extract – For a sweet aroma and added flavor.
- Grated carrots – Freshly grated for moisture and sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (drained) – Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – For a crunchy contrast.
- Raisins (optional) – Add texture and a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Value (per slice – based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the frosting and portion size.
Recipe Tips
Finely grate carrots; for smooth baking and superior texture, use the tiny side of the grater.
Room temperature eggs guarantee a consistent crumb and help them blend properly into the batter.
Mix only until mixed to prevent a thick cake from resulting from overmixing the batter.
Make sure the cake is very cold before icing to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
To enhance taste, roast walnuts or pecans beforehand, then mix them into the batter.
Make-ahead Tips
This carrot cake recipe preserves well, making it ideal for preparation in advance. The cake layers might be baked one day or two ahead. Just let them cool fully, securely wrap them in plastic wrap, and then keep them in the refrigerator or freezer for extended use—up to two months. Thaw before use overnight in the refrigerator.
Made ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days, the cream cheese frosting may also be Let it soften at room temperature before using; gently whisk it to bring back its creamy texture.
Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator if you are assembling it one day early. For optimal taste and texture, let it remain at room temperature for thirty minutes before serving. These make-ahead choices guarantee the cake tastes fresh and tasty on serving day and help you schedule stress-free.
Tips for Making a Better Carrot Cake
Use freshly grated carrots always to improve your carrot cake. Pre-shredded ones are often dry and not as well blended into the batter. Grating your own guarantees a rich, soft cake with ideal texture all around.
One more piece of advice is to harmonize the moisture content. While pineapple and oil assist to keep things moist, too much liquid could cause the cake to become soggy. Well, drain the smashed pineapple and steer clear of over-measuring the oil. For optimum accuracy, follow the instructions, and if you have a kitchen scale, weigh everything.
Finally, never cut the cooling time. As it rests, carrot cake keeps developing taste and texture. Bake once; let the cake cool completely before icing. Furthermore, to improve cuts and achieve a more finished presentation, momentarily chill the cake before slicing. A bakery-quality outcome is much improved by these little changes.
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in carrots, pineapple, nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting and enjoy!