Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate way to celebrate any occasion—or even just an everyday craving for something truly special. With its moist crumb, perfectly spiced aroma, and that dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you grew up with carrot cake as a family tradition or you’re trying it for the first time, you’re about to discover a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. It’s honestly my favorite way to transform humble carrots into an unforgettable treat, and the luscious frosting really makes it shine. Let’s journey together through this sweet adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is in how such simple ingredients come together to create something so spectacular. Each component brings its own charm—spice for warmth, oil for moisture, and those classic finishing touches you just can’t skip. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why it matters!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds your cake layers together, giving the perfect structure without being too dense.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These work as your leaveners, ensuring a tender crumb and nice lift.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: The must-have spice trio that brings cozy warmth and classic carrot cake character.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake deliciously moist from the first crumb to the last bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds crisp sweetness and helps with texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth, a hint of molasses, and extra moisture.
- Eggs: Bind it all together and contribute richness and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a comforting aroma; skip at your own risk!
- Finely grated carrots: The star of the show, providing a subtle earthy sweetness and lovely color.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Invites natural juiciness and a tiny tangy pop throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Give a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor for those who want a little extra.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Brings a fun texture and gentle tropical hints to the cake layers.
- Cream cheese (softened): The key to dreamy, tangy-sweet frosting you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting, making it ultra-smooth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens your frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Blends beautifully with the tanginess of the cream cheese, bringing everything together.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just a little bit for balance—don’t skip it, it makes the flavors pop!
How to Make Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Proper prep here means your cakes will slip out easily, looking bakery-perfect every time.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk them together so that the spices are evenly distributed—this step is key for consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is silky and well combined. Add your eggs, one at a time, beating after each, then stir in the vanilla extract. This ensures your batter ends up smooth and cohesive.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake, so fold patiently—your light, fluffy carrot cake layers will thank you!
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Here’s where the Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting really shines: Fold in your finely grated carrots, drained pineapple, and, if you like, the nuts and coconut. These extras bring texture, moisture, and flavor variety to every forkful.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto wire racks. Let them cool completely—patience is key before frosting!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cakes cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until totally smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla and a pinch of salt, whipping until luscious and spreadable. Try not to eat it all by the spoonful at this point (no judgment if you do!).
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake round, stack the second layer gently on top, and finish with more frosting over the top and sides. For extra neatness, chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing—this helps you get nice, clean cuts.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For a truly show-stopping presentation, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top, or use a pinch of shredded coconut for snowy flair. Fresh carrot curls or a dusting of cinnamon add an elegant, fresh touch that hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and moist on its own, but if you’re planning a perfect dessert spread, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a strong cup of coffee. Fresh berries also offer a lovely contrast, bringing some tartness to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting as a layer cake, in cute individual jar cakes, or even as cupcakes for a portable treat. Get playful with piping different designs on top or using cake stencils for a dusting of powdered sugar art—no one can resist those special touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to five days. The cream cheese frosting keeps things wonderfully moist over time, and a quick chill helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just let slices come to room temp for the best texture before serving.
Freezing
If you need to make the Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance, you absolutely can freeze it! Wrap whole unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, or freeze individual frosted slices in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
While this cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, if you’re craving that just-baked freshness, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will revive the softness of each slice. Just don’t overdo it, or the frosting might melt!
FAQs
Can I use a different pan size for this cake?
Absolutely! If you don’t have two round pans, you can bake this Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting as a 9×13-inch sheet cake—just adjust the baking time to about 40–45 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick in the center.
Can I skip the nuts or coconut?
Definitely. Both the nuts and coconut are optional add-ins, so you can leave them out for a classic, smooth carrot cake texture, or experiment with different mix-ins based on your preferences or allergies.
Why add pineapple to carrot cake?
Crushed pineapple gives the cake extra moisture and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and carrots. You won’t taste pineapple as a dominant flavor—it just makes the whole dessert juicier and more tender.
Can I make this Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that’s meant for 1:1 substitution, and check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make the frosting extra fluffy?
For ultra-fluffy cream cheese frosting, make sure both your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature, then beat them together for several minutes before gradually adding the powdered sugar. Don’t rush this step—the air incorporated here is what gives you that cloud-like finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried baking a Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting from scratch, I hope this guide inspires you to get started! Each bite offers such a beautiful balance of spiced cake, sweet carrots, and tangy-smooth frosting, it’s bound to become a recipe you return to again and again. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a slice (or two) with someone you love!
Print
Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this moist and flavorful Carrot Cake topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this classic dessert will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a bowl.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Beat together oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Combine & Bake: Mix dry and wet ingredients, fold in carrots, pineapple, nuts, and coconut. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Frost cooled cakes and stack with frosting in between and on top/sides.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing for a moist texture.
- Can be made as a 9×13-inch cake; adjust bake time.
- Chill frosted cake for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
