Get ready to fall head over heels for the Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is loaded with everything you love: sweet, warm spices, juicy carrots, a hint of tropical pineapple, and the dreamiest, tangy cream cheese frosting you could ever slather on a cake. Whether you’re looking to wow guests at a special gathering or just want a feel-good homemade treat, this showstopper always delivers—moist, flavorful, and downright irresistible!

Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes together with simple, familiar ingredients that each add a little magic. Every item on this list has a real purpose, from flavor and fragrance to the rich texture and beautiful color.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving the perfect structure and crumb.
Baking soda: Ensures your cake rises tall, light, and fluffy every time.
Salt: Don’t skip it—it balances sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Adds unmistakable warmth and coziness in every bite.
Ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle hint of spice that makes the cake extra special.
Ground ginger: Adds a little zing and depth to the spiced layers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it soft and moist.
Brown sugar: Offers a rich, caramel-like flavor and boosts the cake’s moisture.
Vegetable oil: The key to a super-moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake structure and richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to each bite.
Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient—moist, sweet, and full of color.
Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds moisture and a bright, tangy note that lifts the whole cake.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Bring irresistible crunch and nuttiness—totally up to you!
Shredded coconut (optional): Lends a tropical chew and lovely sweetness if you love coconut.
Cream cheese (softened): The essential base for your decadent frosting.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting luxuriously creamy and spreadable.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds aroma and depth to the frosting.
Pinch of salt: Cuts the sweetness and brings all the frosting flavors together.

How to Make Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans if you want gorgeous layers, or use a 9×13-inch pan if you’re after an easy sheet cake. Making sure your pans are well prepared guarantees that beautiful, intact cake comes out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Not only does this step distribute the spices evenly, but it also ensures no lumps and an even rise for your Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together both sugars, the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy—this is what makes the cake rich and beautifully moist. The oil, in particular, is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently. Don’t overmix—just until you don’t see any more dry flour. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense, and nobody wants to lose out on that tender bite.

Step 5: Add the Goodies

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut if you’re using them. These add-ins truly transform the cake, giving it unbeatable flavor and delightful texture. If you’re going the traditional route, nuts and coconut take it to another level!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the glossy, chunky batter evenly into your prepared pan(s). For round pans, bake 30–35 minutes; for a 9×13-inch pan, go for 40–45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Then let the cake cool completely—patience here leads to the best frosting results later.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a new bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until they’re ultra-smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar. You want a frosting that’s thick but spreads easily—now try not to eat it all with a spoon!

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once your cake is totally cool, spread on that luscious cream cheese frosting. For layer cakes, put a generous layer between the rounds, then cover the top and sides. Finish with extra nuts or shredded coconut for that bakery-style flair. The result? Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s almost too gorgeous (and delicious) to cut into!

How to Serve Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Level up your cake’s look with a final flourish. Sprinkle coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans over the top, add some toasted coconut, or even arrange a ring of thinly sliced, candied carrot curls for a professional touch. Little details like these make your Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting truly special for any celebration.

Side Dishes

This cake easily steals the spotlight, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for parties. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve each slice alongside a cup of strong coffee or fragrant chai tea, which perfectly complement the cake’s spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares for a dessert tray at gatherings—mini versions are irresistible! For brunch, layer cubes of carrot cake with frosting in parfait glasses for a playful trifle. And if you’re celebrating a birthday, go big with piped frosting swirls and colorful edible flowers atop your Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some extra slices? Simply cover and store the cake in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting keeps everything fresh, and the flavors even deepen overnight. When you’re ready to eat, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it’s at its best—moist and dreamy!

Freezing

You can freeze the whole cake (frosted or unfrosted!) or single slices for future treats. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to lock in that wonderful moisture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes out just as delectable as fresh-baked.

Reheating

If you like your cake just slightly warm, pop an unfrosted slice into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. (For frosted slices, let them come to room temperature naturally.) The gentle heat revives the spices and makes every bite melt in your mouth.

FAQs

Can I make Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, many bakers say the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge. You can bake and frost the cake a day ahead—just keep it chilled and let it come back to room temperature before serving for ultimate softness.

Can I substitute applesauce or Greek yogurt for the oil?

If you’re looking to reduce the fat, you can swap part of the oil for unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt. Your cake will still be moist, with a touch of tang, but the classic richness from oil is tough to beat.

What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?

Use the fine holes on a box grater or a food processor for the softest, most even carrots. This ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter, making the Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tender throughout.

Can I make this carrot cake nut-free and coconut-free?

Definitely! Both nuts and coconut are optional, so feel free to leave them out. You’ll still enjoy a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake—just pure carrot goodness with every bite.

How do I get super smooth cream cheese frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them well before adding sugar, and sift the powdered sugar if you like. You’ll have a velvety, dreamy frosting every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting and celebratory about baking a Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe is simple, reliable, and always gets rave reviews—whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a Tuesday afternoon treat. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become an instant favorite around your table.

Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the moist and flavorful goodness of this classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. The perfect dessert for any occasion, this cake is a delightful blend of sweet carrots, warm spices, and creamy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and coconut if using.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).
Bake for 30–35 minutes for round pans or 40–45 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired.