Name: Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup light or dark brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup vegetable oil (plus more for the pans); 4 large eggs; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups grated carrots (about 9 ounces); 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus more for garnish); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping, flavorful, and moist treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve just found it with this Easy Carrot Cake Recipe. It brings together the perfect blend of spices, the natural sweetness of carrots, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to brighten your day with a slice of cozy comfort, this carrot cake delivers charm and delight in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds various baking ingredients spread out neatly. There is a large clear glass bowl with a mound of white flour in the top left, next to a metal whisk. Below it is a white bowl filled with white sugar. In the center is a small clear round bowl with light yellow applesauce. On the right side, five fresh orange carrots with green tops lay diagonally. Nearby, a small jar of light green oil and a small square carton of brown sugar are placed. A gray plate below holds red-brown whole pecans with a small bottle of dark vanilla extract. Close by, three metal measuring spoons overlap, and there are two brown eggs next to a gray bowl packed with brown sugar. Near the bottom, two small glass jars hold ground spices with a green cloth draped in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients here are wonderfully straightforward yet crucial in making this Easy Carrot Cake Recipe truly shine. Each one plays a vital role—from the aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with that irresistible scent to the moisture and sweetness that create the perfect cake texture.

2½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides the structure and softness of the cake.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to give the cake a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds a warm, fragrant spice that defines classic carrot cake flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing that brightens the spice blend.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: A cozy spice that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
1 cup light or dark brown sugar: Infuses the cake with deep caramel notes and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and structure.
¾ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender—don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture naturally and keeps the cake light.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
3 cups grated carrots (about 9 ounces): The star ingredient that brings texture, sweetness, and that beautiful orange hue.
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to each bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them lightly with vegetable oil, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This is a little step that guarantees your cake will pop out beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This blend of spices is what gives the cake its signature warmth and depth, making your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 3: Combine Sugars, Oil, and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined. Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking until everything is fully incorporated. Then stir in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract — these add moisture and a lovely subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined—you don’t want to overmix and lose that tender crumb. Now, fold in the freshly grated carrots and chopped nuts. The carrots add moisture while the nuts provide a delightful crunch with every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the tops spring back at the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges and carefully inverting them onto cooling racks.

Step 6: Level and Layer

Once completely cool, slice off the domed top of one cake with a serrated knife to make a perfectly flat layer — this is your base. This little trick makes for a neat and elegant layer cake.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the flat surface, then gently place the second cake on top. Cover the top and sides with more frosting, then sprinkle extra chopped pecans or walnuts for a beautiful, nutty finish. If you prefer, you can simply enjoy the cakes as two single-layer delights!

How to Serve Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

A slice of two-layer carrot cake with visible bits of carrot and nuts in the brown cake layers, separated by a creamy white frosting inside and thickly spread on the side, decorated with chopped pecans. The slice sits on a white plate placed on a light blue cloth. In the background, a whole two-layer carrot cake with white frosting on top and nuts sprinkled over it rests on a round wooden board. The surface underneath is white marble, and the background is plain white. A silver fork lies in front of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a few delicate edible flowers can take your carrot cake presentation to the next level. These simple touches add visual appeal and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve your carrot cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience. Fresh berries also make for a refreshing contrast to the spice-filled, creamy cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the cake in individual jars layered with frosting or turning it into cupcakes for an adorable, portable treat. You can also slice it into small squares and create a charming dessert platter at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carrot cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting is perishable, so keeping it chilled will ensure freshness for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting or serving.

Reheating

Carrot cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, especially with cream cheese frosting. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, let it come to room temperature and then warm a single slice gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds—no more, or the frosting will soften too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, you can substitute with melted butter for a richer flavor, but keep in mind that oil helps the cake stay extra moist, so the texture might be a bit different.

Do I have to use nuts in this Easy Carrot Cake Recipe?

Nuts add a lovely crunch and depth, but if you have allergies or prefer nut-free, simply leave them out or swap in raisins for a chewy sweetness.

Is applesauce necessary?

The applesauce adds moisture and keeps the cake tender while reducing the amount of oil needed. You can substitute with mashed banana if you like a different flavor twist.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes—just reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes, and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, this carrot cake with cream cheese frosting should stay fresh for up to 4 days, but it’s usually so good it disappears faster!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Carrot Cake Recipe is truly one of those special desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. The harmony of spices, nuts, and frosting makes it a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!