introduction
Welcome to a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe for Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting — a tender, warmly spiced cake that’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a sweet weekend project. This cake balances soft crumb and bright carrot flavor with a tangy, silky frosting that Pinterest users love to save and share. If you love cream cheese frosting on everything, try another fan favorite like Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for more inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Ultra-moist crumb thanks to oil and grated carrots — stays fresh for days.
- Classic, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s silky and easy to spread.
- Family-friendly and great for make-ahead entertaining.
- Simple pantry ingredients with optional add-ins for texture and flavor.
- Gorgeous layered look for holiday tables and birthday celebrations.
Ingredients Needed :
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
Add-ins:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
Cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the oil and eggs until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting between the cake layers and on top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with additional walnuts or carrot decorations if desired.
- Slice and serve, enjoying each moist, flavorful bite!
Serving Suggestions Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Add a dusting of cinnamon or a few candied carrot curls on top for a pretty finish.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.
- Cut into small squares for potlucks or into generous slices for a special celebration.
Tips for Success Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Grate carrots finely for the best texture; large shreds can make slices uneven.
- Drain crushed pineapple well to avoid making the batter too wet.
- Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese so the batter and frosting mix smoothly.
- Do not overmix the batter—stop once dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cake tender.
- If you’re perfecting the frosting, check our guide to cream cheese frosting for extra tips on texture and sweetness.
- Chill the frosted cake briefly to make slicing cleaner and easier.
variation (if any)
- Pineapple-Carrot Cake: Fold in the drained crushed pineapple (as listed) for a tropical twist and extra moisture.
- Spiced Pecan Carrot Cake: Increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; swap walnuts for pecans.
- Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake batter in 6–8 mini bundt pans; adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and test doneness earlier.
FAQs
Q: How long does carrot cake keep?
A: Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes — bake layers a day ahead and wrap tightly. Frost the next day for best texture, or freeze layers and thaw before frosting.
Q: Can I skip the nuts?
A: Absolutely — omit nuts for a nut-free version or substitute raisins for extra chew.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy cake when adding pineapple?
A: Drain the crushed pineapple very well and pat dry if needed; fold it in gently to avoid releasing excess juice into the batter.
Q: Can I use oil alternatives?
A: You can substitute melted coconut oil or a mild vegetable oil, but avoid butter swaps unless the recipe is adjusted for structure.
Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
Add-ins
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1 cup crushed pineapple drained, optional
Cream cheese frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the oil and eggs until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
Baking
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting between the cake layers and on top and sides of the cake.
Serving
- Decorate with additional walnuts or carrot decorations if desired.
- Slice and serve, enjoying each moist, flavorful bite!