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Moist Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This Moist Homemade Carrot Cake features a tender crumb and warm spices, complemented by a smooth and creamy easy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, this recipe includes optional walnuts and crushed pineapple for added texture and flavor. Ideal for any occasion, this classic carrot cake is moist, rich, and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (300g) brown sugar, packed (light brown preferred)
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (can substitute with melted coconut oil)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (about 3–4 medium) grated carrots (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until all are well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Create Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the brown sugar with the vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to incorporate air and ensure homogeneity. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Carrots and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans if using, and the drained crushed pineapple if desired. Be careful not to overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky which is normal for carrot cake.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes if using a 9×13 inch pan, or 30-35 minutes if using two 8-inch pans. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, which should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, around 1 hour, before frosting.
  8. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
  9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For a firmer frosting, chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Grate carrots finely for the best texture and even moisture distribution.
  • Use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter to keep the cake moist and tender.
  • Use room temperature eggs and dairy ingredients to achieve smooth mixing and better rise.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent the cake from drying out; toothpick test ensures perfect doneness.
  • If the frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate it to firm up before applying on the cake.
  • Squeeze out some excess moisture from the grated carrots but retain some to keep the cake tender.

Keywords: carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, classic dessert

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/moist-homemade-carrot-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/