Carrot Cake Recipe – Moist, Spiced & Bakery-Style

If you’re looking for a carrot cake recipe that’s moist, fluffy, and full of warm spice flavors, you’ve found the winner! This classic dessert is made with freshly grated carrots, cinnamon, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home but tastes like it came straight out of a bakery. Whether it’s a birthday, Easter, or just a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake

For the Cake Batter

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (300 g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (80 g) raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans or line with parchment.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Add Carrots – Stir in grated carrots, then fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Add nuts and raisins if using.
5. Bake – Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting – Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
7. Assemble Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost the entire cake. Garnish with extra walnuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

Make This Carrot Cake Recipe Your Own

• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for the frosting.
• Extra Moist – Add ½ cup crushed pineapple to the batter.
• Cupcake Version – Use the same batter for 24 cupcakes; bake for 18–20 minutes.
• Healthier Twist – Replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a moist crumb and creamy frosting. It’s rich yet refreshing, making it one of the most-loved cakes worldwide. Plus, it’s versatile enough for birthdays, Easter celebrations, or a simple family dessert.

FAQ About Carrot Cake Recipe

Q1: Why do people put carrots in cake?
Carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, giving the cake a soft, tender texture without overpowering the flavor.

Q2: Can I make carrot cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost the next day.

Q3: How should I store carrot cake?
Store frosted carrot cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This carrot cake recipe is moist, flavorful, and topped with the creamiest frosting – the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought cakes.

👉 Love this recipe? Try our Chocolate Cake Recipe and Coffee Cake Recipe for more homemade classics. Explore 100+ easy bakes on greenbeancasserolerecipe.com.

Want to know more about its history? Read about Carrot Cake on Wikipedia.