Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Classic Layered Dessert
Carrot cake has a way of making every occasion feel a little more special. With its moist, spiced layers and rich cream cheese frosting, it’s the kind of dessert that’s just as welcome at a holiday gathering as it is at a weekend family dinner.
Our Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe features everything you love about the classic: tender cake, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tangy frosting that ties it all together. We like to mix chopped walnuts into the batter for extra texture, but you can easily leave them out if you prefer. And if you’re making this for a party or special event, a few simple decorations on top can make it look even more festive without much extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is one of those desserts that feels homemade in the best way possible. The batter is simple to mix, the ingredients are easy to find, and the flavor is anything but ordinary.
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Moist and Tender – Thanks to the grated carrots and oil-based batter.
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Warmly Spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger add classic flavor.
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Customizable – Add walnuts (like we do) or leave them out for a nut-free version.
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Easy to Decorate – Garnish with chopped walnuts or carrot-themed decorations.
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Perfect for Layering – Two thick cake layers hold the rich frosting beautifully.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, Easter, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Grated carrots are the star of this cake. They bring natural sweetness and moisture to the layers. Using both granulated and brown sugar adds depth, while the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives it a warm, classic spice.
We like to fold chopped walnuts into the batter for a little crunch and extra flavor. It’s completely optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of texture. If you’re looking for a nut-free cake, you can skip them and still have an incredible result.
The cream cheese frosting is a must, however! It balances the sweetness of the cake with just the right amount of tang. A simple blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates a fluffy, spreadable frosting that’s easy to work with.
How to Assemble and Decorate Your Carrot Cake
Once your cakes are completely cooled and your frosting is whipped and ready, it’s time to assemble. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
We like to press extra chopped walnuts around the edges of the cake for a rustic finish. For special occasions, make it even more festive by decorating the top with orange candy carrots or piping small carrots using orange and green frosting. It’s a simple touch that looks impressive without a lot of extra work.
Equipment You’ll Need
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2 8-inch round cake pans – For baking evenly-sized layers
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Mixing bowls – To combine dry and wet ingredients separately
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Hand mixer or stand mixer – For smooth batter and fluffy frosting
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Cooling racks – Helps cakes cool quickly and evenly
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Offset spatula – For spreading frosting easily over the cake
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Grater – To freshly grate carrots
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake
Making a carrot cake from scratch is easy when you follow a few simple tips:
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Grate Fresh Carrots – Pre-shredded carrots are too dry. Freshly grated carrots keep the cake moist.
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Don’t Overmix – Stir the batter just until everything is combined.
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Cool Completely Before Frosting – Warm cakes will melt your frosting.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Especially for the frosting, so it whips up smooth.
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Decorate Simply – A few chopped walnuts or piped carrots make it look bakery-worthy without a lot of fuss.
This cake is designed to be a little rustic, a little fancy, and completely delicious.
What to Serve with Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is rich and flavorful on its own, but a few additions can turn it into the centerpiece of any dessert table:
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Fresh Berries – A tart contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.
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Coffee or Espresso – A strong coffee cuts through the richness beautifully.
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Whipped Cream – A light topping if you want to skip extra frosting on slices.
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Vanilla Ice Cream – A simple, creamy complement to the cake’s warm spices.
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Fruit Salad – Adds a refreshing note to a heavier dessert course.
Other Recipes to Try
Love baking classic desserts? Here are a few more favorites from Sisters Know Best:
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All-Occasion Vanilla Cake Recipe – A timeless choice for birthdays and celebrations.
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Healthy Pumpkin Brownies – Rich, fudgy, and packed with hidden veggies.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse – A healthier chocolate treat with a creamy texture.
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Carrot Cake Bars – Another fun and easy twist on a classic carrot cake.
This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines everything you want in a homemade dessert: moist layers, cozy spices, and a thick, tangy frosting. Whether you keep it simple or decorate it for a party, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of the table.
Give it a try—and don’t forget to add a few carrot decorations on top if you’re feeling festive!
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cakes can be baked one day in advance and stored covered at room temperature.
- Optional Add-ins: Raisins, shredded coconut, or crushed pineapple can be folded into the batter along with or instead of walnuts.
- Decorating Tip: Carrot candies or piped frosting carrots make this cake extra festive for parties or holidays.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best frosting texture, make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened.
