Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, look no further! This classic dessert delivers everything you love: moist, tender cake bursting with freshly grated carrots, layers of warm spices, and the irresistible tang of luscious, creamy frosting. It’s the kind of treat that feels cozy yet celebratory, perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you want to spoil yourself or your favorite people. I’m thrilled to walk you through every step—because once you try it, this cake is sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen too!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here has a purpose, whether building the cake’s rich flavor, creating a soft crumb, or making that dreamy, fluffy frosting. Each scoop, dash, and sprinkle combines to make the Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting irresistibly delicious and just the right balance of sweet and spice.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy but tender base—don’t substitute with cake flour, as you’ll lose a bit of structure.
• Baking soda: Gives the cake its lovely rise and lightness.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: These spices add warmth, depth, and that signature carrot cake aroma.
• Salt: A small pinch balances and enhances all the other flavors.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination brings both sweetness and a subtle molasses note.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist from the first bite to the last crumb.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while adding rich flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Beautifully rounds out the cake and frosting with a classic, fragrant finish.
• Grated carrots: The star of the show—use freshly grated for moisture and bright flavor.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and a hint of rustic nuttiness (totally optional, but so good!).
• Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds extra moisture and a subtle tropical note you’ll adore.
• Cream cheese (softened): Key to ultra-lush, tangy frosting—let it come to room temp for smooth mixing.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Helps create a silky-smooth, fluffy frosting base.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect whip.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Lifts and brightens the flavors in the creamy frosting.

How to Make Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, making sure every inch is covered so the cakes release effortlessly after baking. This step sets you up for cake success and saves so much time stuck trying to wiggle cakes loose!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Give it a quick toss so all the spices are well distributed—this is how you ensure every bite brings that perfectly balanced spiced flavor homemade carrot cake is famous for.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Sugars

In another big bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Take your time to make sure it all blends together. This base will guarantee a moist crumb throughout your Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one. This helps create a stable batter that bakes up fluffy and light. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds just the right cozy finish.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently, just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake tender and delicate, not dense. You want every ingredient to just come together like friends reuniting!

Step 6: Fold in the Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts

Now, for the magic! Fold in the freshly grated carrots, the drained crushed pineapple, and those lovely chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. The carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture, the pineapple adds a juicy twist, and the nuts give a sublime crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma will fill your kitchen and draw everyone in for a sneak peek!

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes after baking—this makes them easier to handle. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks and let them cool completely. Resist the urge to rush; a cool cake is key to frosting that stays dreamy and doesn’t melt.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

For that iconic Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting finish, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until totally smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little salt, then keep mixing until you have a cloud of light, fluffy frosting. Smooth, creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough—it’s pure bliss!

Step 10: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Place one cake layer on your platter and generously frost the top. Gently set the second layer on top, then spread frosting over the top and sides. Use swoops or create rustic swirls—this cake is as comforting to make as it is to eat. Add your favorite garnishes if desired for a picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

This is the fun, creative finish! Scatter some extra chopped walnuts or pecans across the top for crunch and beauty. For something special, try a dusting of shredded coconut or even bright julienned carrots for a pop of color. A sprinkle of cinnamon is also a simple, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This cake loves a simple pairing. Serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea to balance the sweetness and spice. For a lighter spread, add fresh fruit or a seasonal fruit salad to your dessert table. Homemade whipped cream is always welcome, especially for those who adore that extra creamy touch!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting truly impressive, try cutting it into petite squares and serving as a bite-sized dessert bar. You can also bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for easy potluck sharing, or layer it in a trifle dish with extra whipped cream and pineapple for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake is a treat all its own! Store sliced cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep that cream cheese frosting firm and fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long without being devoured.

Freezing

This Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge to keep the frosting smooth and creamy.

Reheating

For that just-baked feeling, let a refrigerated slice come to room temperature before serving. You can also give it a quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave (not too long!) to soften the crumb and bring out those dreamy flavors. The frosting will be extra luscious and ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two beforehand. Just wrap them well and store at room temperature, then frost when you’re ready. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring it to room temperature before using for the smoothest application.

What if I don’t have crushed pineapple?

No problem! While pineapple adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, you can leave it out if needed. Replace with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture, or omit altogether—the cake will still be rich and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, definitely! Simply leave out the nuts if you or your loved ones have allergies. The cake will still have a beautiful texture and plenty of flavor thanks to the carrots and pineapple.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Be sure to grease and flour your pans well, or use parchment paper circles in the bottom. This ensures the layers will release easily without any trouble or sticking.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans, or divide the batter among additional round pans for a taller, stunning cake. Keep an eye on baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste why the Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is my go-to for gatherings, celebrations, and cozy weekends alike. Every slice is a little love letter to simple ingredients, nostalgic flavors, and the joy of homemade baking. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake too!

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