
This classic carrot cake is ultra-moist, perfectly spiced, and loaded with flavor! Made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this homemade carrot cake will quickly become a favorite!
🥄 Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13-inch pan).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Fold in Carrots
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut (if using).
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes (round pans) or 40-45 minutes (9×13-inch pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until fluffy.
Step 7: Frost & Serve
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly between layers and over the top.
- Garnish with extra chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
🍰 Tips for the Best Carrot Cake
✔️ Use freshly grated carrots—pre-shredded ones are too dry.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter—mix until just combined.
✔️ For extra moisture, add ½ cup applesauce or an extra ¼ cup oil.
✔️ Chill the cake before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
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