Go Back

Carrot Cake

A moist, spiced carrot cake loaded with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor and texture.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (medium & large)
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • 2x 9-inch round cake pans
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Grater for carrots
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/4 cups 250 g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 100 g brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup 240 ml vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups 300 g grated carrots
  • 1 8 oz/225 g can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup 100 g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup 50 g shredded coconut (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups 480 g powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Prepare Oven & Pans:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients:
  • In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Combine Ingredients:
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, drained pineapple, nuts, and coconut (if using).
  • Bake the Cake:
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare Frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
  • Assemble Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly on top, then place second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired. Garnish with extra chopped nuts if desired.
Servings: 12 servings