You’ll love this wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced Carrot Cake Recipe. This cake is surprisingly simple to make and includes a step-by-step video for no-fail results every time. Top everything off with a simple cream cheese frosting for what truly might be the perfect cake.
If I had to choose a favorite cake recipe on my blog, I think this carrot cake recipe would be it. Maybe I’m biased, but even though I’m wildly in love with my white cake, vanilla cake (a reader favorite!) and chocolate cake, this carrot cake is hands-down the one I will reach for first every time.
There’s something about its deliriously moist crumb, the perfect amount of spices, and yes, that all-time favorite cream cheese frosting of mine. It’s sweet without being too sweet, carefully crafted with both butter and oil and just the right amount of carrots –the flavor is so good that even Zach reached for a second piece.
I know you are going to love this one just as much as we do, so let’s dig in!
What You Need
Here are a few of the key ingredients that make this carrot cake recipe the best:
- Flour. All-purpose flour works great here. I don’t recommend using cake flour for this recipe; it tends to yield a lighter crumb, and we want our carrot cake to be on the denser side.
- Sugar. A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar (either light or dark) makes for a moist, flavorful cake.
- Spices. Both cinnamon and nutmeg create the perfect spice profile that pairs so well with the brown sugar, carrots, and nuts.
- Oil AND butter. This is the ultimate dynamic duo for cakes! Oil adds moisture (canola or vegetable oil will work) and unsalted butter adds a rich flavor. Don’t substitute one for the other–we really need both here!
- Eggs. Room temperature eggs work best, so set yours out ahead of time. If you forget, you can just place your eggs in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes before using.
- Vanilla. We’ll add a full tablespoon of vanilla for some extra flavor. If you’ve got some homemade vanilla laying around, definitely use it here!
- Carrots. Do not use pre-shredded or “matchstick” carrots! They are way too thick to use in this carrot cake recipe, unless you like biting into discernible chunks of carrot (I do not!). I usually need about 4 carrots for this cake, and I always peel my carrots before grating them. You could use a box grater, but I prefer to use my food processor.
- Nuts. You can use either chopped walnuts or pecans, or you can leave them out entirely.
This carrot cake recipe is made complete with my cream cheese frosting. It’s so simple and a big favorite on my site. Here’s what you need:
- Butter. Since we’re adding salt ourselves, stick with unsalted butter and make sure it’s softened.
- Cream cheese. Use the brick-style cream cheese–not the spreadable kind in a tub. Your cream cheese should also be softened so it can incorporate nicely.
- Vanilla. A teaspoon rounds out the flavor of this frosting.
- Powdered sugar. We’ll add this for structure and sweetness.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
SAM’S TIP: To grate your carrots in the food processor, first use the “shred” blade. Once your carrots are shredded, switch to the standard blade and briefly pulse until the carrots are fine pieces. Don’t overdo this step or you’ll end up with carrot puree (this is also why I start by using the shred blade on my processor; I’ve found that just tossing the carrots in with my standard blade quickly breaks down the carrots too much).
How to Make Carrot Cake
- Whisk together the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the oil and butter and mix well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Finally, stir in your vanilla extract.
- Fold in your carrots and nuts.
- Evenly divide the batter between two 8″ baking pans that have been greased, floured, and lined with parchment circles. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cakes sit in their pans for 10 minutes after baking, then invert them onto a cooling rack. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare your frosting, frost your cake, and serve!
SAM’S TIP: While a single batch of frosting will cover this cake, I typically increase the recipe by 50% (or even double it!) to allow for a thicker coating and decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you could, I personally found this carrot cake recipe to be a bit too heavy for cupcakes. Because of this, I developed a carrot cake cupcake recipe that I would recommend using instead. It’s still flavorful and delicious, but not so moist that it requires a fork for eating.
If you’re interested in more carrot cake variations, I also have a carrot cake cookie recipe you can try out, too.
Yes, you can. I’d recommend stirring in a heaping cup when you add the carrots and (optional) nuts. The amount is up to you, about a cup should be a good amount.
The best way to prevent a green carrot cake is to peel your carrots before shredding. If this step is skipped, the peels sometimes take on a green color after baking. This is harmless and the cake can still be enjoyed, but it’s not quite as attractive.
Some sources also claim that your cake may turn green if you accidentally use too much baking soda or if you don’t mix your dry ingredients well enough (and the baking soda isn’t evenly distributed).
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook.
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) light or dark brown sugar¹ firmly packed
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (235 ml) cooking oil use canola, avocado, or vegetable oil
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter melted
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (340 g) grated carrots² peel before grating
- 1 cup (125 g) chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Cream Cheese Frosting³
- ½ cup (1 stick) (113 g) unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese softened (brick-style, not spreadable)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
Recommended Equipment
- 2 8" round cake pans (see notes for using different sized pans)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 8-inch pans⁴ (see note for using different sized pans) by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly greasing and flouring the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 cup (200 g) light or dark brown sugar¹, 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Add your canola oil and melted butter and stir well (batter will be pretty stiff and thick at this point, I usually use an electric mixer or my stand mixer to combine everything nicely).1 cup (235 ml) cooking oil, ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.4 large eggs
- Stir in vanilla extract.1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- Stir in carrots and nuts (if using) until ingredients are well-combined.3 cups (340 g) grated carrots², 1 cup (125 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- Evenly divide carrot cake batter into prepared baking pans and bake on 350F (175C) for 40 minutes (toothpick inserted in center should come out mostly clean with only few moist crumbs).
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto cooling rack to cool completely.
- Allow cake to cool completely before covering with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Combine butter and cream cheese in a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until creamy, well-combined, and lump-free.½ cup (1 stick) (113 g) unsalted butter, 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
- Add vanilla extract and sprinkle salt into the bowl and stir well to combine.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt
- With mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar until ingredients are completely combined (be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula).4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
- Once your cake has cooled completely, cover with frosting.
Notes
1Brown sugar
Either light or dark brown sugar will work fine, dark brown sugar will make your cake slightly more moist and rich, but light brown sugar works perfectly if you don’t have dark on hand.²Carrots (& how to grate them)
For me, this usually requires about 4 large carrots. I always peel my carrots before grating. Make sure to use the small shred of your box grater. Another way I like to prepare my carrots is to use the “shred” setting on my food processor and then switch to the blade and briefly pulse the carrots so that you have fine pieces of carrot (don’t over-do it though, or you’ll have carrot juice!). Whatever you do, don’t use store-bought “matchstick” carrots, they’re not nearly thin enough!³Frosting
A single batch of my cream cheese frosting recipe will cover this cake, but because I like a lot of frosting and will usually pipe decoration on the top of the cake, I sometimes increase the recipe by 50% or even double it.⁴Cake pans, different sizes
The following bake times have been reported by readers who have tried making this cake in different sized pans. Keep in mind bake time will generally be longer when using a glass pan, and very dark pans may require less time. The best way to test that your cake is finished baking is to use the toothpick test: a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) or clean.- Two 9″ pans: bake for approximately 30-33 minutes.
- 9×13″ pan: bake for approximately 45-50 minutes
- Bundt pan: bake for approximately 55 minutes.
- Four 6″ pans: bake for approximately 40 minutes
- Cupcakes: See my carrot cake cupcake recipe.
Storing
If you’re eating this cake the same day you make it or within 48 hours of making it, and you are able to store it somewhere cool and dry, you do not have to refrigerate it–though you do want to store it in an airtight container. Any longer than that I would recommend storing in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for about 5 days.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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This recipe was originally published August 22, 2018.
Emily
Amazing carrot cake! Beautifully moist yet fluffy. I halved it and used just one cake round for our little family. I put the nuts on top of the icing all over the cake instead of inside. Definitely restaurant quality and a keeper.
Sam
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed, Emily! Thank you so much for commenting, I really appreciate it <3
Karen
Love this recipe! Moist and delicious! Thanks for all the tips!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed! Thank you for commenting, Karen!
Rain
I’m not a baker this was my first carrot cake from scratch. Amazing!!!! It came out moist and flavorful. Every one love it!
Sam
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the carrot cake, Rain!! Thank you so much for commenting! <3
Joseph
What a terrific recipe! My elderly mom requested a carrot cake for her birthday. I have not made any sort of carrot cake in well over a decade. The results can be all over the place, so I pretty much avoid it. The pressure was definitely on, as I am known to make great cakes. One thing I did do differently was to split the 2 layers into 4 with a wire cutter/splitter. I doubled the frosting recipe so there was lots of frosting between the layers. I baked it in 9 inch pans for 35 mins., which was about 1 or 2 minutes too much in my opinion. I did a light brushing of simple syrup, so it was not dry at all. Beautiful finished cake. My mom said it was the best carrot cake she’s ever had. Thank you so much. This will be my go-to carrot cake from now on.
Sam
I am so glad your mom enjoyed the cake Joseph! In my opinion, you can never have enough frosting! 😉
R.E.
First time making carrot cake and it came out amazing with this recipe. I made one variation, I added a 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce. Thanks!
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Barbara
Curious if one used a carrot cake cake mix could you add fresh carrot, pineapple , raisins& nuts?
Lisa
My daughter is vegan so we substituted a cup of applesauce for the eggs. We used 1 part zuchini to 3 parts carrot too. Best vegan cake we have made!!
Sam
I’m so happy to hear it was such a hit! And thank you for sharing your substitutions! Thank you for commenting, Lisa! <3
Kelcy Timmons
How long does this cake last? And should I keep it in the refrigerator or on the counter at room temperature?
Sam
Hi Kelcy, I recommend refrigerating if you are keeping it longer than a day or two (it should be fine for a day at room temperature, granted that you’re not in a very hot climate). Make sure to keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will keep that way for up to a week. Enjoy!
Kelcy Timmons
Thank you! Will do!
Nicole
This is literally the 3rd time in a month im making this cake, my mom cant get enough of it lol.. thank you so much! We always scouting for MOIST carrot cakes with real cream cheese icing in coffee shops and we are always disapointed.. after trying your recipe its hands down the best carrot cake weve ever had! This cake should get an award lol .. well done and THANK YOU ITS DELISH
Sam
I’m so happy to hear this!! 🙂
Thanks for letting me know what a hit this recipe was for you and your mom! Thank you for commenting, Nicole! <3
Melissa
Making this recipe for the family tonight. I don’t have enough carrots, so I’m subbing with sweet potato. Adding cinnamon & a touch of sour cream to the frosting… to adjust for the sweet potatoes.
Sam
I hope you love it, Meliissa! 🙂
Melissa
I had an oops moment. I put in 4 cups of shredded sweet potato instead of 3. I used sour cream for half the butter & 1 cup less p sugar, & opted not to add cinnamon, in the frosting. I love to take recipes & make them my own, with what I have. My husband has a new favorite cake. Thank you for inspiration. ❤
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed it Melissa! 🙂
Amy Jackson
What’s the bake time for a 9×13?
Sam
I’m sorry Amy, I haven’t made it in a 9 x 13 so I can’t say for sure how long it would need to bake.
Guy Incognito
It needs raisins.
Sam
You can certainly add some if you would like. 🙂
Praise Adepoju
Whaooo, can I double the is recipe??
Sam
You should be able to double it without any issues. 🙂
Milagros
This is a great recipe, but to me it needs two have 2 cups of sugar, if you have it with no frosting at all. Thank very much for sharing the receipe, I will treasure it.
Sam
Hi Milagros! There are two cups of sugar here, 1 cup of granulated and one cup of brown sugar. 🙂
Karen Zabawski
The cake was wonderful. I got so many compliments on it. I doubled the frosting recipe but only used 5 cups of powdered sugar and it was sweet enough.
Sam
I am so glad everyone enjoyed it, Karen! 🙂
Amy
Hi Sam can I make this a three layer cake
Sam
Hi Amy! That would work fine. You would just need to increase the ingredients by 50%. 🙂