Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe

Here’s a moist, flavorful, and foolproof Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe—packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a cozy dessert!

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🥕 Classic Homemade Carrot Cake

📝 Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups (about 4 medium) grated carrots

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (adds moisture)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for texture and flavor)

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For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3–3 1/2 cups (360–420g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or zest for brightness

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13-inch pan).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Combine and Fold:

   • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.

   • Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and coconut (if using).

5. Bake:

   • Divide batter evenly between pans.

   • Bake 25–30 minutes (round pans) or 35–40 minutes (9×13-inch) until a toothpick comes out clean.

   • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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🍰 Frosting Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating well.

3. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or lemon juice if needed.

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🧁 Assembly:

• Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides.

• Decorate with chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

• Chill slightly before slicing for neat pieces.

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Would you like a cupcake version, a gluten-free alternative, or a refined sugar-free option?