The Best Carrot Cake Recipe
This rich, moist, and flavorful carrot cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for every occasion. Packed with fresh grated carrots, warm spices, crushed pineapple, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you're celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this crowd-pleasing recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups 260g all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup 240ml vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups 200g freshly grated carrots
- ½ cup 120ml crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 –4 cups 360–480g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using).
Mix Wet and Dry:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness and texture is reached. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Assemble and Frost:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Decorate with chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or carrot shavings if desired.