If you’re searching for a moist, decadent carrot cake recipe that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This homemade carrot cake is everything you want in a dessert—soft, spiced to perfection, and loaded with the goodness of fresh shredded carrots, shredded coconut, and a hint of warm cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. With the option to add pineapple for an extra burst of sweetness, this cake is guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, this simple yet rustic cake will fit perfectly into your cottagecore-inspired kitchen, making it the ideal dessert for a peaceful afternoon spent baking in the sun. And of course, it’s topped with a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting—because what’s a carrot cake without that indulgent, tangy finish?
Nothing says cozy like a slice of freshly baked carrot cake. Imagine this: a soft, fluffy cake with subtle spices that make every bite comforting and soothing. This carrot cake recipe is as much about the process as it is about the result. The natural sweetness from the fresh carrots, combined with the tropical flair of shredded coconut and the depth of cinnamon and cardamom, creates the perfect balance of flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding pineapple can take it to the next level—bringing in a burst of juiciness and a little surprise with every bite. The best part? It’s all made from scratch, giving you that authentic, homemade touch.
This carrot cake recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the spices to your liking or make it your own by adding in some extras like chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of orange zest. But let’s be real: the homemade cream cheese frosting is what makes it truly shine. It’s the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, and the creamy texture compliments the rich, spiced cake wonderfully. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Simply blend together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla, and a splash of heavy cream for the ultimate frosting experience. It’s a simple, yet show-stopping addition to an already mouth-watering dessert.
This carrot cake recipe is perfect for those who value the beauty of homemade desserts and the peaceful moments spent creating them. The soft, spiced cake paired with the rich cream cheese frosting makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any season, whether you’re baking in the warmth of summer or cozying up with a slice in the fall. The natural sweetness of the carrots, the coconut, and the spices will remind you of all the best parts of homemade baking—rustic, simple, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy the process, enjoy the cake, and enjoy the moment!
Moist Carrot Cake with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for a moist, delicious, and comforting carrot cake recipe, you’ve found the perfect one. This recipe combines fresh grated carrots, tropical shredded coconut, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, all wrapped up in a soft, flavorful cake. Topped with a rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients for the Carrot Cake:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2.5 cups grated carrots (freshly grated)
- 1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- Optional: 1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 cups cream cheese (softened)
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar (depending on desired sweetness and consistency)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and sugar until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Stir in the grated carrots, shredded coconut, and if using, the drained crushed pineapple. The pineapple adds extra moisture and sweetness, but it’s optional if you prefer a more traditional carrot cake flavor.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top or tap the pans on the side of the counter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue mixing until the frosting is thick and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The heavy cream helps create a silky texture, making it easy to spread over the cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to set it in place.
- Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the frosting or decorate with additional carrot shavings for a rustic, homemade look.
Happy Baking!!
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