Dessert

The Best Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

35 minutes Cook
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Few desserts evoke the same sense of warmth and nostalgia as a beautifully made Carrot Cake. Exceptionally moist, warmly spiced, and perfectly balanced, this classic treat has earned its place on dessert tables around the world. What makes carrot cake truly special isn’t just its rich flavor—it’s the comforting, almost wholesome feeling it brings with every bite.

Freshly grated carrots lend natural sweetness and tenderness, while fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create depth and warmth. Chopped nuts add a subtle crunch, and when paired with a silky cream cheese frosting, the result is a cake that feels indulgent yet familiar. It’s the kind of dessert that works just as beautifully for casual gatherings as it does for celebrations.

Carrot cake isn’t about excess—it’s about balance. And this homemade version delivers everything you love: moisture, spice, texture, and that irresistible cream cheese finish that makes it truly unforgettable.

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The Best Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Best Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

humaira
prep time
20 minutes
cooking time
35 minutes
servings
10–12 slices
total time
1 hour 25 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • Electric mixer or hand whisk

  • Measuring cups

  • Measuring spoons

  • Grater

  • Rubber spatula

  • Whisk

  • 9-inch round cake pans

  • Parchment paper

  • Cooling rack

  • Offset spatula

  • Cake turntable (optional)

Ingredients

  • For the Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2½ cups (250 g) finely grated carrots

  • ¾ cup (90 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • ½ cup (75 g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)

  • For the Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2½ cups (250 g) finely grated carrots

  • ¾ cup (90 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • ½ cup (75 g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)

Instructions

1

Make the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple if using. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 32–36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2

Prepare the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
3

Assemble the Cake

Level cake layers if needed. Spread frosting between layers, then frost the top and sides. Chill for 20–30 minutes before slicing for best results.
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