Name: Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 cups (200g) finely grated carrots; 1 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained; ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans; 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe is exactly what you need! Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, carrot cake is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With its rich texture, hints of cinnamon, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delectable treat from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot cake is a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Its combination of grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts creates a moist and flavorful base, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple pantry staples. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve bakery-level results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather the following ingredients for both the cake and the frosting:

For the Cake:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups (200g) finely grated carrots
1 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this irresistible homemade carrot cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the grated carrots and crushed pineapple, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to whip up the star of the show: the cream cheese frosting!

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Sweetness

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar.

Step 3: Flavor It Up

Mix in the vanilla extract and optional lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble Your Homemade Carrot Cake

Now that your cake layers have cooled and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
For an extra touch, garnish with chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top.

Refrigerate the cake for about an hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Tips for Success

Grate Your Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, ensuring a moist texture without large chunks.
Drain Your Pineapple: Excess liquid from crushed pineapple can make the batter too wet, so be sure to drain it thoroughly.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs, cream cheese, and butter to come to room temperature before using them for smoother mixing.

FAQs About Homemade Carrot Cake

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated—just bring it to room temperature before spreading.

Q: Can I substitute any ingredients?

A: Yes! You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out.

Q: How should I store leftover carrot cake?

A: Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Q: Can I freeze carrot cake?

A: Yes! Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or rare ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert. Its moist texture, warm spices, and luscious cream cheese frosting make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this carrot cake is bound to become one of your go-to recipes. So grab your apron and start baking—you’re in for a treat!