Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

This simple homemade carrot cake recipe has rich, moist flavors and cream cheese frosting. It is perfect for special occasions and uses healthy ingredients like coconut oil and a touch of allspice.

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For my birthday this year, I decided to bake my cake. Who does that, right? I am not a big cake fan, I know. But in our large family, we have 3 Birthdays within a week of each other, and cake can get tiring. So, I wanted something different besides classic vanilla or chocolate cake with buttercream for my celebration. I was craving that sweet cream cheese frosting and a hint of spice. So, I made my easy homemade carrot cake recipe with luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake isn't just any dessert; it's a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite delicious.

A Taste That Celebrates Every Bite

Homemade carrot cake offers a depth of flavor and a moist, tender crumb that store-bought versions can’t match. The natural sweetness of carrots and the rich, creamy tang of cream cheese frosting create an indulgent cake. Each slice perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and creamy goodness, making it an ideal treat for any celebration.

The trio of spices:

Allspice, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg: Spices are the heart of my carrot cake recipe, and allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg are necessary for creating its signature flavor.

• Allspice combines the warm, aromatic tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, adding a rich, spiced undertone that complements the cake’s sweetness.
• Cinnamon brings a familiar warmth and depth that enhances the natural flavors of the carrots and other ingredients. Its sweet and slightly spicy notes are essential for that classic carrot cake taste.
• Nutmeg adds a subtle nuttiness and a slightly sweet and spicy kick that rounds out the spice profile.

Together, these spices create a blend that’s comforting and flavorful.

Why These Ingredients

• Avocado or Coconut Oil: Using avocado or coconut oil in your carrot cake adds a subtle richness and brings health benefits. Avocado oil is known for its healthy fats and mild flavor that doesn't overpower the other ingredients. Coconut oil, on the other hand, adds a delicate hint of coconut, enhancing the cake's overall flavor profile while providing healthy saturated fats. Both oils contribute to a moist and tender crumb, making your carrot cake irresistibly soft. 
• Pineapple vs. Applesauce: Incorporating pineapple into your carrot cake adds a layer of natural sweetness and a slight tartness that complements the carrots perfectly. Pineapple also helps keep the cake moist and adds a tropical twist. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, applesauce is a fantastic alternative. It adds moisture and is a natural sweetener, making your cake healthier without sacrificing taste. Both options work beautifully, so it's all about your personal preference.
• Allspice: Allspice is a critical ingredient that elevates the flavor of carrot cake. It's a warm, aromatic spice that combines the tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, adding a depth of complex and comforting flavor. Just a pinch of allspice infuses the cake with a rich, spiced undertone that perfectly complements the sweetness of the carrots and the tang of the cream cheese frosting.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your cake, especially for a special occasion like your birthday. You get to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and wholesome. Baking can be therapeutic and rewarding, filling your home with delightful aromas. I always say my kitchen is my creative space and where I can relax when baking.

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Finish

No carrot cake is complete without generous layers of cream cheese frosting. The creamy, tangy frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced, sweet cake, creating a harmonious blend that’s utterly addictive, especially with those crushed pecans. The perfect finishing touch takes your homemade carrot cake to the next level.

Celebrate with Homemade Carrot Cake

Baking a carrot cake from scratch is a celebration in itself. It’s about creating something delicious and memorable, tailored to your taste. Whether for a birthday or a special occasion, homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious cake to make and enjoy. 

Thank you and Inspire other Bakers:

Thank you so much for trying out my recipes! I hope you enjoyed making them as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you. Your feedback means the world to me, and I would love to hear about your baking adventures.If you try any of my recipes, please share your comments and experiences. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram. Seeing your creations and hearing your feedback truly inspires me.

Simple Classic Carrot Cake

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 32 people (1"x4" slices) 1x

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Description

This simple homemade carrot cake recipe has rich, moist and flavor of spice and cream cheese frosting. It is perfect for special occasions and uses healthy ingredients like coconut oil and a touch of allspice.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup melted, coconut oil (refined or unrefined)
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup crushed pineapple ( drained)
• 1 tsp aluminium free baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (add more if you like a nuttier flavor)
• 1 tsp all spice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Pre-Prep:

1. In a food processor shred the 3-4 carrots and set to the side. If you don't have a food processor, a hand held grater will work.

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease, line with parchment sheet round and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients- eggs and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
4. Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly distrubuted throughout the batter.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans, spreading evenly throughout the pans.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 20-25mins for round pans and 30-35 mins for 9x13 pan, or until toothpick comes clean after inserting into the center of the cake(s).
7. Remove pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 mins. Then carefully remove the cake(s) from the pans and transfer to cooling rake to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the cake(s) are cooling prepare your cream cheese frosting.
2. In a mixing bowl beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
3. Gradually add the powder sugar, beating well after each cup of powdered sugar, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. After cakes are completely cool a spat of frosting onto a cake board and place your first layer on the cake board. Spread a layer about ½ cup of frosting on top of the cake layer. Place the second layer on top of the frosting and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Optional: Garnish the sides of the cake with chopped pecans or coconut shavings for decoration.
6. Chill cake in the refridgerator for 30 mins before serving unused cake in the refrigerator.

Notes

You can add the following to the cake batcher for extra flavor:

•½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

•½ cup of shredded coconut (optional)

Cake Servings:

Serves 32 people at 1"x 4" slices or 16 at 2" x 4" slices. 

Cake be made 1-2 days ahead of time and kept in refrigerator. 

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American