The search for the best Carrot Cake recipe EVER is over. This is it! I’ve been making this cake for 10+ years and it’s perfection. Countless friends and family have been converted to this Must Make Carrot Cake.
The BEST Carrot Cake recipe…EVER
I have been making and loving this homemade carrot cake recipe for more than 10 years! I have always wanted to get it up here to share but nothing pains me more than not having photos to do the recipe justice! These photos still aren’t my favorite but it was time to pull the trigger and post this incredible recipe. Whenever I make this carrot cake for friends or family they immediately ask for the recipe because it’s just THAT amazing. The closest thing I’ve ever tasted to a carrot cake this good is from The Cheesecake Factory. But I’ll be honest, I like mine more. I am a huge carrot cake fan so I try slices at every bakery and restaurant I can find. But each time, I keep coming back to this recipe.
Lizzy’s Must Make Carrot Cake
Want to hear something funny? These photos make me laugh because I made this cake for my birthday and the day after I looked at the half eaten cake and thought “well, maybe I’ll try to snap s few photos.” So the frosting isn’t quite as soft as it should be and the cake looks a little disheveled in the back. But something great about this cake is that you don’t need any fancy cake equipment to make it look beautiful! No spinning cake plate, or piping bags or tiny carrot decorations. This is a cake anyone can make and have it look beautiful. And don’t worry, it’s going to taste amazing too!
The only Carrot Cake Recipe you will ever need.
What makes a great carrot cake for me? I want it dense and packed with flavor, texture and for the moisture (yes I said the dreaded word) level to be perfect. There are lots of recipes out there that make a light and fluffy carrot cake. That is not this cake. This cake is hearty in the best way possible. It has walnuts (which are totally optional), pineapple and grated carrots. Some (insane) recipes call for cooking and pureeing the carrots but who has time for that?! Not me. There’s a reason everyone who tastes this recipe falls in love with it. So trust me when I say you need to try it! Now, if you aren’t a fan of walnuts you could use pecans or raisins OR use nothing at all! I totally understand nut allergies or when you’re baking for a crowd you want to play it safe.
Have you seen all the recipes that call for coconut? Whaaaat? Why? To me, that would turn it into more of a morning glory cake.
Spiced Carrot Cake Recipe
Someone told me once they hate carrot cake because they hate carrots. Carrot cake does not taste like a carrot. Or I guess I need to say carrot cake should not taste like a carrot. It’s really just a spice cake with more texture. And the cream cheese frosting is a must to pair it with. Once I decided to get a little crazy and make a whipped cream cheese topping…mistake. It just wasn’t the same and totally changed the dessert. Stick with the tried and true cream cheese frosting. The little bit of tang is is perfect so pair with this sweet cake.
Mmm… look at those nuts on top 🙂
The Perfect Easter Dessert
I make this Must Make Carrot Cake recipe at least two times a year. (I eat way too much of it each time so I have to force myself to only make it 2 times a year so I don’t overindulge.) Once for my birthday every year because it truly is my most favorite cake and recipe, and I make it for Easter as well! You can decorate it with little buttercream or chocolate carrots but I tend to leave it plain or add a few extra chopped walnuts on top. I don’t care for it to be too fussy. Sometimes I’ll make this cake with 3 layers too! It just depends on how tall I want it to be.
Final Tips:
Let me say a few things for those of you who actually read this part of a blog post. First, like I said in the recipe notes I do like to bake this cake the day before I serve it. I think the flavors take a little time to develop (like banana bread and pumpkin pie). Also, you can grate your carrots in a food processor if you really think doing it by hand is a pain. If you have a teenager, just hand them a box grater and tell them they have to grate the carrots to get a slice 🙂 After you add the flour mixture and you fold in the final ingredients to the cake batter, don’t over mix. It can be tempting because of all the “things” in the batter but don’t do it! This recipe can be made in 2 or 3 rounds or even in a casserole dish but the baking time will depend on how thick the cake is! (I always try to place my rounds on the same oven rack for even baking.) If you use cake rounds, just think about how many cake layers you really want. The more layers, the more frosting you’ll need and it’s trickier to cut and have pretty slices. I find myself preferring the two layer cake.
Like I said, this is not a fussy cake. There are crumbs in the frosting in the picture and the slive from the very center of the cake isn’t straight. But I think that’s what I like about this cake. It isn’t meant to be perfect, it’s meant to be homey and cozy. It took be a decade to even post this recipe because I was so concerned about the pictures, how silly is that? So here’s to me not taking 10 years to post other recipes because of of that ridiculous reason!
My favorite cake recipe of all-time.
Yes, you read that right. This blogger has proudly named her favorite cake recipe ever. This is it. Of all my cake recipes this Must Make Carrot Cake takes the…cake. The fact that this is my birthday cake year after year should tip you off to the fact that this is my favorite. Every year I make it and then don’t photograph it because I force myself not to work on my birthday. I switch up how I decorate it each year too. Oftentimes I’ll pat walnuts onto the sides of the frosted cake as well. So when you make your cake, just think about what look you’re going for and how much you love walnuts haha! I’m not a huge sprinkle fan on this cake but a sanding sugar or another crystal sugar sprinkle is always nice. It looks pretty but also tastes good to eat.
I hope you make this cake and love it as much as I do. Happy Easter to you all!
You can find all my Easter dessert recipes here!
Must Make Carrot Cake
THE best carrot cake recipe ever. Decadent, dense and full of flavor! After one bite, you'll be obsessed too!
Ingredients
Carrot Cake
- 4 large eggs room temperature (see note)
- 3/4 cups vegetable oil
- ½ cup apple sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups grated carrots about 4-5 medium carrots
- 3/4 cup crushed pineapple measure and then drain out most of the juice
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 12 ounces cream cheese
- 3/4 cup butter room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4-6 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Carrot Cake
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease/parchment paper cake pans or a casserole dish. I will use either 2 9-inch pans or 3 8-inch pans. This recipe works well with different sizes.
-
In a large bowl whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, apple sauce, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir only a little. Before everything is fully combined, add grated carrots, crushed pineapple and chopped walnuts. Continue to stir only until combined.
-
Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. This depends greatly on what size pans you pick! If the cake still jiggles when you nudge it, it's not done! You should be able to insert a knife or toothpick into the center without any batter coming out on it. (My 2 8-inch cake pans are done at 35 minutes)
Cream Cheese Frosting
-
In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until blended. Add in vanilla extract and then add 3 cups of powdered sugar. Continue to add in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Add a tablespoon of milk if it gets too thick. If you're frosting your cake, you want the frosting spreadable but if you're piping it you make want it a little stiffer. The amount of powdered sugar will also vary on how warm your home is.
-
Wait until your cake is fully cooled and frost! Decorate with extra walnuts if you would like!
Recipe Notes
I always make this carrot cake the day before I serve it. I like the way the flavors blend after they bake.
To get room temperature eggs FAST, fill a mug with hot tap water and place your eggs into the water while you measure other ingredients. They’ll be the right temperature in 2 minutes!
I’m hoping to make this recipe into carrot cake cupcakes soon! And I’m even going to attempt to make a version a little healthier for those of you who would like that option.
If you have any remaining frosting, spoon it into a tupperware or bag and you can store it in the fridge for a week!
Something you won’t find in this recipe…. ginger. I’ll be honest, I don’t like when people use too much ginger in their carrot recipes. But sometimes I will add 1/4 tsp you could even add 1/2 and I think it would be delightful and good for the cake taste.
Can I make without the pineapple “allergic “
Nice Recipe!
Do you have a specific baking time for 3 – 8 inch can pans vs. 2 – 9 inch cake pans? Thanks! 🙂
the 2 pans usually takes around 35 minutes for me and the 3 pans usually take around 25-30 minutes. I do bake at a high altitude though and sadly every over is so different!
Yes you can! The pineapple adds to the texture, sweetness and moisture. You can leave it out completely or maybe add 1/4 cup of buttermilk/milk/apple juice so you at least keep the added moisture!
This carrot cake is phenomenal!! I only made a few minor changes. I omitted the nutmeg and used toasted pecans. The title is correct; it truly is a MUST MAKE carrot cake!! It is so moist and delicious!! The cake was a huge hit for Easter!! Thank you for this amazing recipe!!
This was definitely the best carrot cake I’ve ever eaten.
This carrot cake is SO GOOD! I made it for Easter, and it also happens to my husband’s birthday cake of choice. I made it in 2 dark metal 9” pans, and the frosting was the PERFECT amount.
I printed this out and it’s going in our permanent family recipe list 🙂
I make a similar one. Will like to try yours. Sounds great!!! 😉
I tried out this and did not out very well 😕
I don’t really like carrots. But when combined with this cake, it is very good. Very good taste
It looks delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
It looks amazing. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Thank you for sharing this recipe, I love it because it’s not too sweet and has lots of nuts.
Thanks for the recipe.
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Carrot Cake is one of those classic desserts that everyone can’t wait to try. It is sweet, moist, and delicious. It is also quick and easy to make, which makes it a perfect dessert for almost any occasion.
Carrot cake is one of the most beloved desserts in American history. It’s a simple, moist cake made with carrots, nuts, and spices—but it’s incredibly versatile.
Carrots aren’t my favorite vegetable. However, when paired with this cake, it is delicious. Excellent flavor
Thank you for sharing it. It’s great
Woa, It looks delicious. Surely the kids will love it
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I really like your recipes and especially how you show them and how they turn out. and the great variety that can be done in some way in an easy way. It looks delicious, the variety of products is incredible, such as carrots, for example, in addition to being a healthy product
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The greatest carrot cake recipe for incredibly moist and tasty cake layers is prepared with grated carrots, brown sugar, juicy raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
thanks
very nice!
Carrot Cake is one of those timeless desserts that everyone craves. It’s sweet, moist, and delectable. It is also quick and simple to prepare, making it an ideal dessert for almost any occasion.
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Great post thank you for sharing this with us.
That sounds fantastic! Carrot cake is a beloved classic, and it’s wonderful that you have found a recipe that you love and have been making for over 10 years.
Indeed, you can! The pineapple provides moisture, sweetness, and texture to the dish. To at least maintain the additional moisture, you can either completely omit it or perhaps add 1/4 cup of buttermilk, milk, or apple juice.
great
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Awesome post! I am really thankful to you for giving brilliant tips. Your tips are very helpful and I really appreciate it.
This is my favorite carrot cake recipe! It is created entirely from scratch, is simple to prepare, versatile, and extremely tasty. One of our best-selling recipes!
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Whenever I try cooking carrot cake, the major issue that i face is that either carrot is left raw or it gets overcooked and saggy, this time i tried keeping the oven temperature medium and worked perfectly for me !
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Does it matter if you use salted or unsalted butter for the frosting?
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Introducing Lizzy’s Must-Make Carrot Cake—a recipe I’ve cherished for over a decade! Despite the lack of perfect photos, it’s time to share this incredible gem. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Dense, flavorful, and textured—this cake hits the spot with walnuts, pineapple, and grated carrots. Plus, it’s versatile—swap nuts for pecans or raisins, or skip them altogether for a nut-free option. And let’s talk frosting: cream cheese is the unbeatable choice, adding just the right tang to complement the sweetness. So, forget fancy cake equipment—this cake’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Dive in and savor every bite of this scrumptious treat!
the best cake recipe!
I tasted and it was something particularly tasty and at the same time easy to do!
Nice
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Love carrot cake. This recipe is the best! Not too sweet. It goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee
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“Yum, carrot cake is one of my favorites! The combination of spices and sweetness from the carrots makes it so delicious. It’s great to see more people sharing their love for this classic recipe. By the way, when promoting your carrot cake recipe or any content, having a strong online presence matters. Tools like GetMyLikes can help boost your social media engagement, making it easier to share your recipes with a wider audience. Thanks for the recipe, I can’t wait to try it!”
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A must-make carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Here’s a quick overview:
Start by mixing shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts or pecans for texture. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, then fold in the carrot mixture.
Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, frost with a luscious cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Perfect for any occasion!
This Carrot Cake recipe sounds absolutely delicious! I love how the author shares their long experience with the recipe, and how easy it seems to make without needing fancy tools. It’s refreshing to find a recipe that’s both simple and super tasty. On a side note, it reminds me of how important it is to register for TM SIM registration to stay connected while enjoying such sweet treats!
Here’s a quick **Carrot Cake** recipe:
### Ingredients:
– **For the cake**: 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 4 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups grated carrots, 1/2 cup chopped nuts/raisins (optional).
– **For the frosting**: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt.
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat oven** to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch pans.
2. **Mix** dry ingredients and set aside.
3. **Whisk** wet ingredients, then combine with dry ingredients.
4. **Fold in** carrots, nuts, and raisins.
5. **Bake** for 30-35 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. **Make frosting** by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
7. **Assemble**: Frost cooled cakes with cream cheese frosting.
Enjoy your moist, delicious carrot cake!
great recipe
hi
This “Must Make Carrot Cake” post was an absolute treat! I love how you described the texture—moist, tender, and perfectly spiced—and the idea of pairing it with a tangy cream cheese frosting instantly made me crave a slice. Carrot cake is one of those timeless bakes that brings comfort with every bite. It got me thinking—imagine a cozy weekend baking show on Magis TV Gratis featuring classics like this, with step-by-step guidance and maybe even family stories behind the recipes. Wouldn’t that make for the perfect streaming session? Would you watch baking content like this on Magis TV Gratis?
Tried this recipe last night, and it was a hit with the whole family! So delicious and easy to follow. Saving this one!
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The nuts on the Cake look so nutritious. Can’t wait to try out this recipe
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Really inspiring—love this!
This carrot cake recipe looks absolutely delicious. I like how the instructions are clear and easy to follow, which makes it less intimidating for home bakers. It’s always nice to find reliable recipes that turn out great. Thanks for sharing this sweet treat idea, I’ll definitely try making it soon.
Finally found my holy grail carrot cake recipe! The quick room-temperature egg trick and no-beating/no-kneading easy steps are beginner-friendly. Rich yet not overly sweet—no wonder the blogger bakes it for her birthday every year～