Carrot Cake – Moist, Spiced & Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Carrot Cake recipe is a bakery-style classic — ultra-moist, warmly spiced, and finished with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of cake that feels nostalgic and special all at once, made for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.

Shredded carrots, chopped nuts, and a hint of cinnamon give the cake its distinct texture and flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, Easter, or cozy fall weekends. If you love warmly spiced, festive baking, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, another comforting favorite that fills the kitchen with the scents of the season.

Whether layered high for a party or kept simple for a family weekend, this homemade carrot cake delivers cozy joy in every slice. And if you’re looking for another colorful treat for your table, our Easter Cookies offer a bright, cheerful addition to any celebration.

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✅ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Difficulty: Moderate

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons (6g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (220g) finely grated carrots
• ¾ cup (90g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2½ cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or line with parchment.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in carrots and nuts (if using).
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan 10 minutes, then remove to a rack and cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add vanilla and gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until fluffy.
3. Spread over cooled cake. Garnish with extra nuts if desired.

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📌 Notes

• Grate carrots finely for best moisture and consistency.
• You can bake this in layers, a sheet pan, or as cupcakes — adjust timing accordingly.
• Chill the cake after frosting for clean slicing.

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🔄 Variations & Add-ons

• Add crushed pineapple (½ cup) for extra moisture.
• Swap nuts for shredded coconut or golden raisins.
• Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for extra spice.

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🥄 Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 33g
• Protein: 5g

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🌍 The Story Behind Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is believed to have evolved from medieval European puddings where carrots were used to sweeten desserts before refined sugar became common.

It gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s and 70s, and remains one of the most beloved cakes thanks to its signature spice blend and moist crumb.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with hot tea or coffee.

Garnish with chopped nuts, candied ginger, or piped frosting rosettes for a festive finish.

Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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❓ FAQs

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes — bake the day before and frost closer to serving time.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely — freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

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✨ Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake delivers warmth, spice, and softness in every bite — the kind of classic that never goes out of style.

Perfect for celebrations or everyday moments when you just need a truly great cake.