Description
This Family Favorite Carrot Cake is the perfect balance of moist, spiced cake and rich cream cheese frosting. Packed with fresh carrots, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a slice of homemade goodness, this best carrot cake recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts if using
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes (round pans) or 40-45 minutes (rectangle pan) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Frost the completely cooled cake
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – flavors improve after a day
- Add ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) for extra moisture if desired
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred
- For a healthier version, replace half the oil with applesauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: best carrot cake recipe, family favorite carrot cake, moist carrot cake, easy carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, homemade carrot cake, classic carrot cake, walnut carrot cake