Description
This classic carrot cake is incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Packed with fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, and a perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (packed)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans or pour into a single baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans) or 40–45 minutes (9×13 dish), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Grate carrots by hand for best texture and moisture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean release.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, spiced cake, Easter dessert, homemade carrot cake, pineapple carrot cake