Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Carrot cake has a timeless charm, combining warm spices, sweet carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite unforgettable. This best ever carrot cake recipe is incredibly moist, rich, and bursting with flavor thanks to freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply to enjoy a slice with coffee, this recipe delivers bakery-level results at home. The cream cheese frosting is tangy, silky, and perfectly complements the cake’s tender crumb. Get ready to impress guests and satisfy your own cravings with this foolproof favorite.

Overview of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

This moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. The batter comes together quickly with everyday pantry ingredients, and there’s no need for fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, whisk, and spatula. Fresh carrots add sweetness and moisture, while crushed pineapple enhances the cake’s tenderness. Chopped nuts provide a pleasant crunch, and the rich cream cheese frosting balances the spices beautifully. Perfect for special occasions or casual indulgence, this recipe yields a cake that stays moist for days. It can be made ahead, stored easily, and enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this best carrot cake recipe lies in a few key techniques and ingredients:

• Freshly grated carrots keep the cake moist and ensure a tender crumb.
• Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture without making the batter too dense.
• Oil instead of butter ensures the cake stays soft even after refrigeration.
• Balanced spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth without overpowering the carrot flavor.
• Cream cheese frosting delivers the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.
• Simple mixing method means you can make this cake without special equipment — no electric mixer needed for the batter.

Ingredients & Substitutions of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

For the Carrot Cake

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – Creates a soft yet sturdy cake structure. Can be replaced with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups) – Balances the natural sweetness of carrots and pineapple. Brown sugar can be swapped in for a deeper flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Ensure a good rise and light texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg – The classic spice pairing for carrot cake; you can add allspice for extra warmth.
• Vegetable oil (1 cup) – Keeps the cake moist. You can use canola or sunflower oil instead.
• Eggs (4 large) – Bind the batter and add richness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Enhances flavor depth.
• Fresh carrots (3 cups, grated) – Always grate fresh; pre-shredded carrots are too dry.
• Crushed pineapple (1 cup, drained) – Adds moisture and a subtle tropical sweetness.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (1 cup) – Optional, for crunch. Can be swapped with shredded coconut or omitted for nut-free version.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese (16 oz) – Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup) – Softened; adds creaminess and stability to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups) – Sifted to avoid lumps.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Rounds out the frosting flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness.

How to Make Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

Whisk together the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, then combine. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts. Bake in two cake pans until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting with a rich cream cheese frosting. Decorate and chill before slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips

Step 1 – Preheat & Prep Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment. Lightly flour them to ensure easy release.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until even.

Step 3 – Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4 – Combine
Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined — overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 5 – Add Carrots & Pineapple
Gently fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts. Batter will be thick and textured.

Step 6 – Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7 – Cool
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8 – Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Step 9 – Assemble
Place first cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly, add second layer, and frost top and sides.

Step 10 – Decorate & Serve
Top with extra nuts, shredded coconut, or edible flowers. Chill before slicing for neat presentation.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Carbs: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 44g
• Protein: 5g

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze frosted or unfrosted layers (well wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• You can make the frosting up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add shredded coconut for texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Cupcakes: Bake in lined muffin tins for 18–20 minutes.
• Layer Additions: Add raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness.

FAQ About Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

Serving of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

This carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed slightly chilled for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Cut slices with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra nuts for visual appeal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and works equally well as a birthday centerpiece or a casual Sunday dessert. For a spring or Easter gathering, top with marzipan carrots for a festive touch. The cake’s flavor actually improves after a day, making it ideal for baking ahead of time.