A slice of moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts.
This Best Carrot Cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and garnished with walnuts, it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake
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- Moist and tender: The cake is made with oil, ensuring it stays incredibly moist.
- Full of flavor: Carrots, cinnamon, and walnuts come together to create a deliciously spiced cake.
- Cream cheese frosting: The frosting is smooth and tangy, complementing the sweetness of the cake.
- Easy to make: You only need a few simple ingredients and a bit of time.
- Customizable: Add raisins, pineapple, or coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients for the Best Carrot Cake
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake batter, making it light and airy.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and gives it a soft texture.
- Eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
- Grated carrots: The star ingredient that adds flavor and moisture.
- Walnuts: Adds crunch and richness to the cake.
- Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the flavor.
- Cream cheese: For the tangy and smooth frosting.
- Butter and powdered sugar: The base for the cream cheese frosting.
How to Make Carrot Cake
- 1. Prepare the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Mix them together until smooth, then fold in the grated carrots and walnuts.
- 2. Bake the cake. Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- 3. Make the frosting. Beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- 4. Frost and serve. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, and garnish with extra chopped walnuts if desired.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use fresh carrots: Grate fresh carrots for the best flavor.
- Cool the cake completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store properly: Keep the cake in the fridge if it’s not eaten right away to preserve the freshness of the frosting.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add-ins: Add raisins, crushed pineapple, or shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version of this carrot cake.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Fridge: Store leftover carrot cake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Pair with a light salad or fruit for a balanced meal.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Reader Review
This carrot cake is hands-down the best I’ve ever made. It’s so moist, flavorful, and the frosting is incredible!
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
If you make this The Best Carrot Cake, leave a rating and a comment. What’s your favorite carrot cake topping?