Moist & Flavorful Carrot Cake Recipe | Easy Classic with Cream Cheese Frosting

Searching for a dessert that’s bursting with flavor, super-moist, and crowd-pleasing? This carrot cake recipe is the answer! Packed with tender carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you crave a nostalgic treat. Crafted for irresistible to readers, this guide highlights key words and makes baking fun for everyone.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake

• Incredibly moist crumb with real shredded carrots

• Classic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger

• Easy, one-bowl mixing—no mixer needed

• Best cream cheese frosting for the perfect finish

• Versatile: make as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes

📋 Ingredients for the Best Carrot Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• 1/2 cup applesauce (or extra oil for richer cake)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for moisture)

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3–4 large)

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

👩🍳 How to Make Carrot Cake – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans (or a 9×13-inch pan for sheet cake).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk oil, applesauce, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Stir wet ingredients into dry, mixing just until combined—don’t overmix!
Fold in grated carrots, then pineapple, nuts, and raisins if using.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
Bake for 28–32 minutes (or 35–40 for sheet cake) until a tester comes out clean from the center.

Cool cakes in the pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until light and creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top and sides. Sprinkle with extra nuts or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

🥕 Tips for the Best Carrot Cake

• Finely grate carrots for the most tender crumb.

• Applesauce and brown sugar guarantee extra moisture.

• Don’t overbake—this keeps your cake ultra-moist.

• Frost only when completely cool for neat slices!

📝 Variations & Add-Ins

• Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Fill muffin tins 3/4 full, bake 15–18 min.

• Pineapple-free: Omit for a more classic cake.

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for vegan frosting.

• Nut-Free: Skip the nuts or swap for shredded coconut.

❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days; cake stays moist!

• Freeze unfrosted layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months—thaw and frost before serving.

🔍 SEO Keywords

Carrot Cake Recipe, Moist Carrot Cake, Classic Carrot Cake, Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Carrot Cake, Best Carrot Cake, Layered Carrot Cake, How to Make Carrot Cake

💬 Did You Make This Carrot Cake?

Share your carrot cake creations down below! Favorite add-ins or a special family twist? Tag your photos with #CarrotCakeMagic and inspire other bakers to try this timeless dessert.