This carrot cake recipe is the best! This a sweet and moist cake that is easy to make, full of cut carrots and pecans, and covered in cream cheese icing.
Carrot cake – a timeless classic that’s far more than just a sweet treat. It’s a delightful journey of flavors, textures, and aromas that can whisk anyone back to their fondest memories, be it a family gathering, a childhood Easter celebration, or that cozy afternoon at grandma’s.
Today I’m not just sharing any carrot cake recipe; I’m unveiling the secret to the best carrot cake recipe that promises to add a dash of magic to your spring festivities or make any ordinary day feel like Easter Sunday.
It features moist, spice-infused cake bursting with the natural sweetness of carrots, then topped with a rich, creamy cheese icing that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this Easter carrot cake is designed for all.
It’s more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about creating memories, sharing joy, and of course, savoring every bite of a cake that’s been baked with love and care.
So, preheat your ovens and let’s embark on this delightful baking adventure. By the end of it, you’ll have not just a cake, but a masterpiece that’s pleasing to the palate.
Scroll down for the recipe and get ready to bake a cake that’s sure to bring smiles, earn you compliments, and maybe even a few requests for the recipe!
Tips for Making Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a delightful dessert with a unique flavor profile. Here are some tips to help you make the best ever. Read these before you jump in, or if you’re an experienced baker, keep scrolling down.
Use Fresh Carrots
Start with fresh produce. Freshly grated carrots provide better moisture and flavor.
Use Quality Ingredients
Start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. This includes fresh eggs, real butter, pure vanilla extract, and good-quality flour and sugar. Using top-notch ingredients can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that ingredients like eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother and more evenly textured batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the batter until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
Test for Doneness
Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done.
Refrigerate Before Frosting
Consider refrigerating the cake for about 30 minutes before frosting. This makes it easier to apply the frosting smoothly, and it can help prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
With these tips and a little practice, you can create a delicious carrot cake that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Carrot Cake (9 inch cake using this mold)
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- Optional: 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 T butter
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Tips and Thoughts on This Recipe
If your cake batter is a bit dry, add in an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil.
If you use the nuts, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the batter. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
This recipe often tastes even better a day or two after baking, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it covered in the refrigerator for optimum flavor.
Bring your carrot cake to room temperature before serving to allow the frosting to soften and the flavors to shine.
Wouldn’t this be delicious for an Easter bake sale? Get the printable recipe for this delicious cake below:
Carrot Cake
This exceptional carrot cake recipe is a delightful treat for Easter. It's easy to make, and it's spicy and moist with a delicious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 T butter
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F and lightly grease a round cake pan; line the pan with waxed paper and grease the pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a whisk to mix the flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.
- In another small bowl mix the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Mix, then add in the carrots. Mix until combined.
- Add the liquid mixture into your flour mixture and mix until just combined. Make sure to not overmix. If you want to add pecans into the cake, this is the moment in which you add them (simply fold them in).
- Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until you insert a toothpick in the center, and it comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Then remove and let cool on a wire rack before adding the frosting.
- In a small bowl, use a hand mixer, and beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and little by little add in the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Frost the cake using a spatula. Add additional pecans to the top if desired.
Notes
If your cake batter is a bit dry, add in an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1 pieceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 611Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 339mgCarbohydrates: 73gFiber: 2gSugar: 53gProtein: 7g
If you enjoyed this cake, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other delicious holiday recipes:
Carrot Cake Cookies • Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies • Carrot Rice Krispie Treats • Creme Egg Brownies • Easter Cupcakes • Easter M&M Cookies • Italian Easter Cookies • Lemon Meringues • Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf • Lemon Shortbread Cookies • Mini Egg Cupcakes