If you are looking for the BEST Carrot Cake Recipe, this is the one! Truly, this legendary scratch carrot cake is my favorite dessert of all time, and it’s the only carrot cake recipe you will ever need.
Classic Cakes loaded with Goodness
Over the years, we’ve received a flood of rave reviews on this cake, making it one of the most popular on our site!
I love cakes with lots of “stuff”… cakes with a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, whether bits of fruit or coconut or pecans, etc.
For instance, good old fashioned Hummingbird Cake, Italian Cream Cake , German Chocolate Cake and Apple Spice Cake are close to the top of my list, but Carrot Cake is king! (I feel like I should put that on a t-shirt).
What makes THIS scratch Carrot Cake Recipe the BEST EVER?
Let’s talk about the parade of ingredients that make this scratch Carrot Cake recipe SO amazing. Of course, carrots and spices are a given, but this favorite carrot cake recipe of ours also includes crushed pineapple, pecans, and coconut.
Not all carrot cakes call for coconut and pineapple, or even nuts, but after trying this recipe, we could never go back! These ingredients make all the difference, and are the reason that everyone who tries a slice immediately falls in love (with the cake…and probably the baker too).
The added flavor and sweetness are the perfect complement to the carrots, spices, and pecans.
Just look at this slice- so much texture and lumpity bumpity goodness! Without question, this is the BEST Carrot Cake recipe on the planet (if we do say so ourselves). I know I’m gushing, but it’s just so darn delicious.
As a child I avoided carrot cake in favor of pretty much any other dessert option at family celebrations. I mean, carrots? In a cake? The name alone just sounded a bit too healthy for me.
Oh how wrong I was! It pains me to think of all of the amazing slices of carrot cake that I missed out on in my early years. So now, I must make up for lost time. ;0)
The history of carrot cakes
Though we don’t see carrots in many desserts, it actually makes perfect sense in terms of the sweetness factor. Here’s a little carrot cake history for you- Even in medieval times, carrot puddings were hugely popular due to their natural sweetness.
The carrot cakes that we know and love today are believed to have evolved from these flavorful carrot puddings.
That natural sweetness also explains the resurgence of carrot based desserts during World War II when sugar was rationed.
Fast forward to the 1960s and 1970s and carrot cakes began to enjoy widespread popularity in the US not only for their amazing flavor, but also (hee hee) because it’s healthy.
Okay, so carrot cake as a health food may be a bit of a stretch, but the idea really makes it easier for me to cut myself a giant slab of cake! Mmmmmm. Because, you never know.
Every Good Carrot Cake Needs Cream Cheese Frosting!
Finally, let’s get down to the business of cream cheese frosting. After all, carrot cake just wouldn’t be carrot cake without a luscious cream cheese frosting. The cream cheese frosting included in our recipe is our Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting recipe from our recipes section. We also love our heavenly Pipeable Cream Cheese Frosting if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Sandwich the cream cheese frosting between your carrot cake layers, and then finish it off with a generous slathering.
I just cannot tell you how amazing this carrot cake is–you just have to try it for yourself. The carrots, pineapple, coconut, nuts, and spices all balance each other perfectly. This cake is ultra moist, and guaranteed to please any crowd!
We’ve made countless variations of carrot cake over the years, but THIS is our favorite! Nothing else compares!
*Although this scratch Carrot Cake recipe is our absolute favorite, we also have a fantastic doctored cake mix Carrot Cake recipe for those of you who prefer recipes based on cake mix. You can find it at the bottom of this post!
Enjoy!!
Carrot Cake from Scratch
This scratch Carrot Cake is my FAVORITE cake, and one of our most popular recipes on the site! Carrot cake with crushed pineapple, pecans, coconut, and spices!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 2 1/2 cups (325g.) all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups ( 400g ) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (218g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (180g) grated (small pieces) carrots (do not use packaged pre-shredded carrots, they are too dry)
- 3/4 cup (92 g) chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup (50g) coconut (optional)( we used Baker's Angel Flake sweetened coconut)
- 1 (8oz.) can crushed pineapple, put in a strainer and let the liquid drain off….I press with a fork to remove not all, but a bit more liquid.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (this recipe can be easily doubled if you plan to do a lot of piping)
- 2 sticks ,1 cup, (226g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese (total weight 452g) I use full fat cream cheese. Using reduced fat or the spreadable cream cheese will cause the frosting to be too soft. Soften very slightly.
- 2 teaspoons (8 g) vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2g) optional - it will cut the sweetness, popcorn salt is best to use because it is fine and dissolves faster
- 6 to 6 1/2 cups (690g to 747g) powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Carrot Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Line the bottoms of 3 (8 inch) or 2 (9 inch) round pans with wax or parchment paper, grease with shortening and flour the paper and pans for easy release when turning out……carrot cake has a tendency to stick so be sure to use the paper.
- Whisk together for 30 seconds the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set Aside.
- In the bowl of your mixer, add 2 cups sugar , 4 eggs, 1 cup oil and 1 tsp. vanilla. Mix 2 to 3 minutes at medium speed until well blended and light colored.
- With a spoon stir in the flour until moistened, then add the carrots, pecans crushed pineapple and coconut.
- Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Refrain from opening the oven door or touching the center of the cake to test for doneness until very near the end of baking time or it could cause the cake to sink slightly in the center.
- Makes 6 1/2 cups batter
- Cool cake layers in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack then turn out. Cool completely before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cut the butter into slices and add to the bowl of your mixer. Beat on low to medium speed until the butter is softened and smooth.
- Cut the cold cream cheese into pieces and add to the butter, beating at low to medium speed until incorporated. If you are using a hand mixer you may need to soften the cream cheese a bit more.
- Add the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar beating on low speed until blended. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep down the cloud of powdered sugar.
- Increase mixing speed and beat until fluffy. Don't over beat or it will become too soft. If it becomes too soft, just refrigerate a short while to firm it up a bit.
- This frosting will pipe best if used while still chilled. You can make it in advance, refrigerate and when ready to use let it soften slightly (do not microwave) and remix.
- Will frost a 3 layer 8 inch cake
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Prefer a Mix? Here’s Doctored Cake Mix Version for Carrot Cake
As I mentioned above, we have a great “almost homemade” doctored cake mix version of Carrot Cake that’s a keeper! Convenient, consistent, and with many of the same ingredients as our scratch version. You can find it here!: Carrot Cake: A Doctored Cake Mix Recipe.
Thanks for stopping by! I guarantee that if you try this carrot cake recipe, you’ll come back to it again and again. It’s just that good!
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Hi Donald, I am so happy that you and your family have enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for posting your nice review. The addition of crushed pineapple sounds great.
This was my first carrot cake. Because you gave the weights of the ingredients it made it very easy to make. It turned out perfectly for a beginner.
Hi Bobby, That is great, we are so happy that you gave it a try! Thanks for posting.
Great recipe. I enjoy all of your recipes. And at this particular time while we are all in our homes praying for safety this recipe has brought more to my family than a slice on the plate, it has brought soothing comfort. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Kesha and I couldn’t agree more. There is something very calming about baking for loved ones in times of stress. Sending hugs to you all!
I tried this carrot cake recipe today for my son’s birthday party .. it came out perfect.. kids loved it
Hi Sandy, Thank you for posting! I am so happy everyone enjoyed the cake!
This looks amazing! I have everything except for the pineapples. Do you think it would not work if I omit? I know baking usually needs to be a pretty exact science. Thank you!
Hi Jill, The pineapple does add moisture so I think it might be a bit dry without it. We have had members who let us know that they substituted an apple that was finely grated or extra grated carrots and it was fine.
Thanks so much! I might wait until I can get some pineapple to make sure I get it right :) It looks amazing!
Hello! This is our favorite carrot cake recipe! I’ve been making this for 3 years now and everyone loves it. I was curious though, have you ever made this into cupcakes? How long would you bake for?
Thank you!
Hi Brittany, Thank you so much for you nice comments on the recipe! Yes, you can use the recipe to make cupcakes. For standard size cupcakes, bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes.
Hi! Can you substitute the vegetable oil for Avocado or Olive Oil?
Hi Carolyn, I have never tried using another oil but I think olive oil would be ok to use. If it is an olive oil that has a strong taste, that could possibly come through. Let us know your thoughts after you try it.
Hi! The cake looks great and the frosting is amazing. Can’t wait to eat this for my moms 50th tomorrow. Should I refrigerate until ready to eat due to the refrigerated ingredients in the frosting? Thanks!
Hi Tasha, Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting it will need refrigeration. Take out of the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before serving for it to warm up a bit.
Can I use butter in place of oil? Thanks
Hi Kiran, I have never tried this recipe with butter so I can’t be sure of the outcome.
Can I Make This A Sugar Free Cake With Stevia, Do You Know Tge Conversion?
Hi Debby, I am sorry but we have never make a sugar free version.
Hi I’m allergic to pecans . Is there anything to substitute it ? Or can I not put it in the recipe?
Hi Genesis, You can leave out the pecans or substitute with walnuts. Hope you will enjoy the cake.
Hi Melissa, I made it with butter and it came out great! Thanks
Kiran
I can’t wait to try this recipe! If I doubled the recipe and baked 2 – 12 inch rounds, do you think that would be ok?
Hi Tiffany, This recipe makes 6 to 6 1/2 cups batter. The batter amounts chart (link below) suggest 7 1/2 cups for a 12×2 in round pan. The layers would be a bit shorter. These charts are just guidelines. For example, we made our cake 3 layers because we wanted more frosting per slice. The chart suggest 3 cups for an 8 inch round pan, but we used a little over 2 cups per pan. With only 2 layers for your 12 inch cakes will it be as tall as you want?
http://fromkarenskitchen.com/tips/party_cake_batter_amounts_baking_times_2inch_pan.php
I love this recipe! I always use avocado oil in place of vegetable, and make it in cupcakes because they are my favorite. Thank you so much for this awesome cake, I ignored the spoon in the dry and wet ingredients this last time and used the mixer, I can definitely tell a difference. Go for the gentle spooning for sure.
Hi Joya, Thanks for posting your comments and thoughts on the recipe. So happy you like it!!
I love carrot cake! I want to make this in a 9×13 pan . Do you have any tips?
Hi Molly, There is enough batter for a 9×13 sheet pan. Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. I have not made this in a sheet pan so keep an eye on it, time wise. It is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. I think you can cut the cream cheese frosting recipe in half and have plenty for your 9×13 cake. Hope you will enjoy it.
Good day
Thank you for the recipe.
Is it possible to use fresh pineapple in this recipe and not the canned… It is sometimes difficult to come across it in my country.
Thank you
Hi Nyasha, You should be able to use fresh pineapple with no problems. We used crushed pineapple so try to duplicate that using fresh. Also, our canned pineapple was an 8 oz. can, but after draining off the liquid then pressing out a bit more liquid from the pineapple, I do not know the weight of that, maybe 6 ounces. Hope you like the cake.
Can I omit the pineapple and coconut? And still achieve same fluffy and moist results?
Hi Ms. B, I am sorry but I think if you leave out the pineapple and coconut you will lose too much moisture and flavor.
Had this pin saved forever and finally tried it. Wonderful!! It was worth the wait and a perfect addition to my recipe folder ?
Hi Kirsten, I am so happy you gave the recipe a try and enjoyed it. Thanks so much for posting.
Incredibly insane cake thank you for this delicious recipe.
Hi Amal, Thank you for your nice compliment!
I rarely ever comment on recipes, but this is the best ever carrot cake. My grandmother used to make something like this, and I have searched for a carrot cake using both pineapple and coconut for many years. Substituted golden raisins for the nuts because my husband does not like nuts, but loves raisins. (I soaked them for about 10 minutes in my leftover pineapple juice which I heated up a little just to plump them up and then patted them dry before adding.) Otherwise followed the recipe exactly.
Hi Dawn, Thank you so much for your nice review of the recipe!! The method you used to add raisins sounds great, I’m sure it will be helpful to others. I am thrilled you enjoyed the cake!!
The cake was great, but the frosting was incredible! I wanted to eat it directly out of the mixing bowl. I used 6 cups of sugar so it was less sweet than the premade versions and sooooo good.
Hi Bonnie, Thank you for taking the time to post your thought on this recipe! I’m so glad you enjoyed the cake!!
Hi Bonnie! I am making cupcakes for my sister’s 60th birthday. How many cupcakes will this recipe make? Is the icing pipe-able? Do they need to be refrigerated?
Hi Joni, I think you should be able to get 28 to 30 standard size cupcakes. Bake at 350 for 18 to 20 minutes. The cream cheese frosting is perishable so the cupcakes would need to be refrigerated. Keep covered in the refrigerator so they won’t dry out. If your cream cheese becomes too soft just refrigerate for 10 – 15 minutes. You should be able to pipe a simple swirl on top of the cupcakes. You can refrigerate your filled piping if the frosting becomes soft while piping (some people have warmer hands than others).
Can I sub out oil for real butter?
Hi Brittney, I have not tried this but I think you would melt the butter and let it cool before using.
Could this cake be baked in a Bundt pan?
Hi Beth, We have not made this recipe in a bundt pan but I think it would be fine to do so. Let the baked cake cool only 5 to 10 minutes before turning out, otherwise it may stick to the pan.
This cake is AMAZING!! Hands dow best I’ve ever made. I did also add raisins.
Hi Bridget, Thank you for your nice comment, so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Love the photo, it looks delicous!
I made cupcakes. If I don’t put icing on them can they be stored in the freezer?
Hi Janice, Yes, the cupcakes can be frozen. For good results, they should be kept in an air tight. I like to place on a cake board, or on a paper plate, wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Wow… really is the best carrot cake ever…
Hi Linda, Thank you so much for your nice comment and the photo of your pretty cake, ready to serve.
I made this today and it was the best carrot cake I have ever had. I did use canola oil, because I realized I was out of veritable half way through the project. I will also remember to omit the salt, unless I use unsalted butter in the frosting. It was soooo delicious 😋
Hi Sheri, What a nice review, thank you so much!!
Ugh. I’m a veteran baker with a new oven. 35 minutes made the cakes very dark, but not done in the middle. Thus the center plopped. Tried covering with foil. No matter what I did, the middles wouldn’t cook. Super sad and have no idea what i did wrong.
Hi How long would you bake your Scratch Carrot Cake cupcakes ? Thank you.
Hi Cheryl, I am sorry you had this problem. I really can’t explain why the center of your cakes would sink as well as not bake, even with additional baking time. If you open the oven door too frequently, testing with a toothpick too soon, or removing from the oven too soon, the center can sink.
First …this is for Cheryl Heise.. she needs to calibrate her oven . And hang a oven gauge it the center…
Ok.. now.. I just made this cake for my husband’s birthday. Came out terrific. Cake had basic in it. The pineapple and the carrots. And the cupcakes I added raisens and coconut.
Fantastic 👍🥰. Cream cheese frosting the best I’ve made.. thank you
Hi Barbara, Good suggestion on the oven thermometer, that definitely could be the problem. Thanks so much for posting your nice review of the recipe, very happy you enjoyed it.
Can you use coconut oil in place of the vegetable oil?
Hi Michelle, I have not used coconut oil in the recipe. We use canola vegetable in our recipes because it is neutral in flavor. Coconut oil may give you a little flavor but since there is coconut in the recipe it should be no problem. Hope you will enjoy the cake.
Hi! I’m new to baking and was wondering if I wanted to use three 6 inch cake pans how much batter should I use in each pan and how long should I bake for? I’ve made this using two 9 inch pans and this is the best carrot cake I have ever made
This recipe makes 6 to 6 1/2 cups of batter. Use 2 cups of batter for each of your 6 inch pans. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, keep an eye on it. I so happy you have enjoyed this cake.
Made it exactly as posted. I did add a cup of raisins as well. Delicious and super moist.
Hi Shumays, I think your cake looks divine! I am so happy you tried the recipe and enjoyed it! Thanks so much for posting1
Hi Bridget, I love the look of your slice of cake! We appreciate your nice comments on the recipe, thank you so much!!
Can I freeze this cake before frosting?
I usually bake my cake a week or two in advance and freeze it. I think it’s better than fresh baked.
Sugar— white or brown sugar?
Made this today for my daughters 21st bday! Looks nice!
Hi Sharri, It is white sugar
Hi Jvab, A special birthday for your daughter and you have made her a beautiful cake. Thanks for posting your photo, loved seeing your cake.
Hi. The recipe for the cake mix call for regular sugar or brown? Most recipes I’ve seen called for brown or light brown. Thank you! I plan to make this for our 1st Easter as a family <3
Hi Autumn, White sugar is used, I hope you will enjoy the recipe.
Hi, tried the cake and it was delicious. We generally like things less sweet than most people, so if I reduce the sugar, should I add increase anything else to make up the volume?
I’m a baker in camp. After making it the first time the clients request this cake a lot.
BeBe, I haven’t eaten refined or powdered sugar in 33 yrs, but my husband does eat sugar. I use organic honey if I need a sweetener. I made the cake with 1 cup organic honey instead of sugar. I used crushed pineapple in it’s own juice and unsweetened coconut. I made a no sugar frosting but it wasn’t great. Left it on the side thank goodness. Lol The cake was very good on it’s own. So much that my husband has asked me to make it again. Thank you for the recipe. It’s great! 😋
This cake was the bomb oh my word….five stars….my new go to recipe
I love this recipe. It’s perfect! I’m making it for a birthday tomorrow. He’s allergic to coconut. How would you adjust it? Would it be okay without it? More nuts?
Hi Luren, We love using coconut as an ingredient but it is optional. You can leave it out and the cake will still be good. Hope you will love it.
This is by far the best carrot cake recipe I have made. It’s absolutely delicious!! I was hoping you might be able to provide the nutrition facts on this recipe? I want to make it for my grandmother’s birthday but she is on a new very restrictive diet. I need to check sodium content and such before being able to make it for her. Thanks for the help! Again, this is the absolute BEST carrot cake recipe!
Hi Kait, Thank you for your nice comments on the recipe, we are so happy you enjoyed the cake. I think there is probably around 250 mg of sodium per slice.