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Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic carrot cake is nicely spiced, ultra-moist, and topped with lavish swirls of cream cheese frosting.
When my kids were babies, I started a small baking business specializing in cakes and cupcakes, mostly for children’s birthday parties. Before I opened, I spent weeks testing recipes for all of the classic cake flavors. This is the carrot cake that won me over. It is perfectly spiced, ultra-moist, and topped with a luscious, not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting.
Unlike most carrot cakes, which are heavy and dense, this one is light with a fine texture. The secret, which I learned from Fine Cooking Magazine, is finely chopping the carrots in a food processor to the consistency of couscous rather than grating them.
For more classic cake recipes, check out my Vanilla Birthday Cake, Vanilla Cupcakes, Chocolate Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and the Chocolate Lover’s Birthday cake in my cookbook.
What You’ll Need To Make Carrot Cake
How to make Carrot Cake
Begin by soaking the currants in hot water to plump them up, then drain.
Combine the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Whisk to blend.
Add 1/4 cup of the flour mixture to the drained currants and nuts.
Toss well; coating the currants and nuts with flour will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Next, add the carrots to a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
Process until finely chopped to the consistency of couscous.
Transfer the carrots to a bowl and wipe the processor bowl clean. Add the eggs, granulated sugar and brown sugar.
Process until smooth.
With the machine running, slowly pour in the oil.
Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.
Add the carrots, currants and nuts.
The batter will look very orange!
Transfer the batter to a greased and floured 9×13-in cake pan.
Bake the cake for about 45 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
How to make Cream Cheese frosting
While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting. Combine the butter, cream cheese and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar.
Once all of the confectioners’ sugar is added, beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Use an offset spatula to frost the cake.
Sprinkle nuts on top, if desired, and serve the cake directly from the pan.
Note: This cake can also be made as a 9-inch layer cake. You’ll have enough frosting for the middle and top of the cake; just leave the sides bare — it’s pretty that way.
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Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic carrot cake is nicely spiced, ultra-moist, and topped with lavish swirls of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2-1/4 cups all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with knife
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1-1/4 cups vegetable oil
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9x13-inch heavy-duty metal cake pan, or spray the pan with a nonstick cooking spray with flour, like Baker's Joy or Pam with Flour.
- Soak the currants in 1/2 cup hot tap water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Transfer 1/4 cup of this mixture to a small bowl and add the drained currants and the chopped nuts; toss to combine.
- In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, process the carrots until very finely chopped, to about the consistency of couscous. Transfer to a small bowl, then rinse out the food processor bowl (you’ll use it again).
- In the bowl of the food processor (again, fitted with the steel blade), mix the eggs and sugars until blended. With the machine running, slowly add the oil in a steady stream until combined. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until well combined, then stir in the carrots and the currant-nut mixture.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool on a rack to room temperature.
For the Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large bowl if using a hand mixer), combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla and salt. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until aerated and light, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing on low to combine. Once all of the sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting over the cooled cake, swirling artistically. Sprinkle the nuts on top of the cake, if using, and serve the cake straight from the pan.
- Note: This cake can also be made as a 9-inch layer cake. You'll have enough frosting for the middle and top of the cake; just leave the sides bare -- it's pretty that way.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen (without the icing) for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw on the countertop the night before you plan to eat it. Ice the cake prior to serving.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (24 servings)
- Calories: 401
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Sugar: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 246 mg
- Cholesterol: 52 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Can i make 2 _ 8 pan cake?
If yed how long is going to take to cook? temperature ?
Thanks jenn for your wonderful recipes I reallly enjoy everything baking your cakes etc.
So glad you like the recipes, Fanny! Yes, you can make two 8-inch rounds with this. I’d start checking them for doneness at about 35 minutes (with no changes in the oven temp). Enjoy!
Hi Jenn,
Tried your brownie recipe and it was perfect! Looking forward to trying this one. Quick questions
1. Can I use a glass Pyrex 9×12 pan?
2. Can I use baby carrots?
Thank you!
Hi Lydia, Glad you enjoyed the brownies! You can use baby carrots here, and it’s fine to use a pyrex but I’d reduce the oven temp by 25°F.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Do you have a mixer? If so, you could manually grate the carrots (very finely) and then use a mixer to combine the eggs, sugar, and oil. Hope that helps!
Delicious cake with just the right amount and blend of spices. I’ve made carrot cake that calls for pineapple which is also delicious but I never knew about aerating the icing. It made it very light and easy to spread. It was hard to stop eating the extra that was in the bowl! Thank you for another great recipe.
This is a favorite at our house, for my sweetie’s birthday I make a half recipe, baked it in 2 6” round pans for about 35 min. Used half recipe of frosting which worked perfectly to frost the cake, top, middle and sides, then topped with chopped nuts. It was great for his birthday celebration, festive and special feeling without too much cake.
Hi Jenn,
Would you recommend pineapple instead of currants?
Sure Joyce, that will work. (If you’re using canned pineapple, make sure it’s very well-drained.) Hope you enjoy!
Loved the carrot cake, especially the cream cheese frosting. What modifications would I need to make a zucchini cake? I am bursting at the seams with CSA zucchini.
Hi Elizabeth, glad you liked this! Instead of trying to tweak this to use zucchini, I’d recommend using my zucchini bread recipe and adding currants and nuts to it. You can also top it with cream cheese frosting. I’d love to hear how it turns out if you try it!
As I did with your double chocolate loaf cake, I made these into cupcakes. Used 1 cup of raisins instead of currants, bakes in tulip muffin cups at 375F for 25 minutes, iced, delicious and portable.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Hi Lulu, for the best results, I’d stick with all-purpose flour here. Sorry!
I made this cake and it was delicious.
Do you think it would work well as cupcakes?
Glad you liked it! Sure, you can use this recipe for cupcakes; you’ll just need to adjust the baking time They should take 20 to 25 minutes. Enjoy!
How would I convert to a 8in round pan? Could I make 2 cakes out of it? What would be the cooking time?
Hi Leah, Yes, you can make two 8-inch rounds with this. I’d start checking them for doneness at about 35 minutes. Enjoy!
Wow! Delicious! The cake was super light, tender, and super flavorful! My experience with store bought carrot cakes is they are heavy as a brick and yucky in taste! Not this one! My hubby and teenagers couldn’t finish it but sure got big frosted slices! Thank you again for another delicious and amazing recipe with a baked perfect beauty I can’t believe I made with my own hands!🌺🌺
Made the cake for Mother’s Day! Everyone enjoyed! Thanks for the great recipe!
This was the best carrot cake I’ve ever made or tasted. I made it in the casserole dish as written, but I do think it would be better as a layer cake so the frosting is distributed in the middle and on top, but otherwise it was perfection! It was moist and delicious on day 1, but even better on day 2 and 3!
Ah! I forgot to click the stars. 5 stars for sure!
This was exceptional. Made it for my husband’s birthday and he said it was the best cake he’s had in years. We don’t have either of the pans suggested in the recipe so we baked it in a rimmed sheet pan (shorter baking time) and made a 4-layer cake. Had plenty of frosting for the layers and top. Just perfect.
Hi Jenn,
Your recipes are the best this thing we have come across. We love everything we try. We are going to give the carrot cake recipe a try – my children want carrot muffins. I do not have currants and can not use walnuts as my son has allergies to nuts. Should I just leave them out? or would I need to adjust the recipe and if so how?
Thank you so much for bringing delicious recipes into our home.
Annie
Hi Annie, So glad you like the recipes! You can just omit the nuts and the currants. If you have raisins on hand, feel free to substitute those. If not, it will still be delicious (with no adjustments necessary). Enjoy!
I made this for Easter and it was delicious! The only change was to bake it in two 9” round pans and increase the frosting by 1.5 to make sure there was enough. Carrot cake is my favorite, and this was the best I’ve ever had 🙂
Love, love, love this recipe! Hands down my most favorite carrot cake and it was a huge hit for Easter!
Two small changes….I wasn’t able to go look for currants but did have golden raisins. In any recipe I use raisins, I always soak them in bourbon. For this recipe, I soaked my raisins in 1/2 cup of bourbon and then added it to the cake batter :).
It came out absolutely perfect!
Hi jenn
Can I make this carrot cake 2 9-inch pans?
What is going to be the temperature and time.
Thank you again for your great recipes and the best.
Hi Fanny, Yes, this will work in two 9-inch pans. I’d start checking them at about 35 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
My family loved this cake. Moist, great flavor, and the icing was amazing. I had to substitute pumpkin pie spice since I didn’t have anything other than the cinnamon. I also had to use raisins, no issue there. I did soak them in spiced rum first. Goes to my top five list of favorite cakes. Loved using my food processor for this.
May I use raisins instead of currants?
Sure!
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes????
Sure, cupcakes will work — you’ll just need to adjust the baking time; it should be 20 to 25 min for cupcakes. Enjoy!
Hi, is it possible to just make half the cake by dividing the ingredients in half and placing in a 9X9 pan? Thank you!
Yes, I think that would work. I’d start checking it at 30 to 35 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
I followed the recipe as described and I’m so happy with the final product.
Thank you for the recipe.
BEST CARROT CAKE!
Hi Jenn
Love you recipes, thank you so much! Could I leave the nuts out of this cake for allergy sake?
Many thanks,
Kathy
So glad you like the recipes! Yes, it’s fine to omit the nuts. 🙂
I made this, it is very tasty but quite pale in colour? I was expecting it to be darker with all the carrot I used etc.
Hmmm… did you make any changes to the recipe?
This carrot cake is sooooo good. I had been searching for one like this for years. I have made it many times and it is always perfect. It is so moist, with a tender crumb and perfect spice blend! I make it in three 8” layers and ice with 1 1/2 times the icing recipe. This makes it look as special as it tastes. I do leave the currants and nuts out, personal preference. Everyone loves it and I get many requests for the recipe. Thanks Jenn for your recipes. Every one I have made has been great
This was excellent! Much lighter than my usual carrot cake. Couldn’t find currants locally, so used chopped raisins. Everyone enjoyed this cake. Thank you for a great recipe.
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed by this cake. It tastes more like a spice cake than a true carrot cake. Pretty bummed, since usually your recipes are spot on.
Want to make this to bring tomorrow to friends. I never worry about pre-testing a recipe when it’s yours. One quick question though, I only have a glass 9 x 13 baking dish. How will that adjust the baking time?
Hi Jenny, Glass will work — just keep an eye on it and reduce the heat by 25°F if it looks like it’s starting to brown around the edges. Enjoy!
Loved this cake!
Can you use this recipe to make cupcakes?
Glad you liked it! Cupcakes will work — you’ll just need to adjust the baking time; it should be 20 to 25 min for cupcakes.
I love all your recipes! Would I be able to use unsweetened apple sauce to replace the oil?
Thanking you in advance,
Hi Kathy, If you want to go that route, I’d suggest just replacing half of the oil with applesauce. Please LMK how it turns out if you try it this way!
I just made this case and I can’t wait for my husband to get home so we can try it!! Looks and smells so yummy!
Does this cake need to refrigerated or can it sit covered on the counter?
How long do you think it will be good for?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Crystal, It will keep longer if you refrigerate it, but I usually keep it on the counter if it’s only for a day or two. If you refrigerate it, be sure to bring it to room temp before serving. Hope you and your husband enjoy it!
Good morning Jenn, I’m wondering if I could use this same recipe to make cupcakes. Would I have to make any adjustments and if so what would they be. Thanking you in advance!!!?
Sure, Arlene. You’d just need to adjust the baking time; it should be 20 to 25 min for cupcakes.
I’m having trouble finding currants at my local grocery store. Could I substitute for raisins instead? If so, do I need to still soak them?
Thank you so much!
Definitely, Crystal – raisins will work well. 🙂
Thanks Jen! Would I still need to soak them?
Yes I would.
This is a great addition to my family’s baking. Love your simple recipes. I didn’t use as much sugar only 1 cup of granulated sugar in the cake mixture and even reduced the icing sugar in the frosting to half. Was loved by my family. Perfect.
Thank you 😊
Best cake I’ve ever made! Husband loves it and couldn’t believe it has carrots in it. Super moist, great flavor, great texture with the nuts and currants. The only oil I had in the house was extra virgin olive oil, it’s all I cook with, so it went in the cake. I was worried at first the olive oil would ruin the flavor. I tasted the batter and no doubt I could taste the olive oil, husband hates olives, so I thought this cake was doomed. I baked it and frosted it, and man it was super delish! No taste of the olive oil in the finished product.
Lovely moist and flavour filled carrot cake. It came out looking just like the picture (well almost😉). My icing wasn’t as sturdy because I used a spreadable cheese and not cream cheese, won’t do that again.
Your recipes never let me down. I made your carrot cake for my boss’ birthday celebration today. Total Hit! Everyone liked it. The only thing I changed was I left out currants and added a little bit more pecan. Thank you so much for sharing your talents to help us be better cooks! I get a great deal of pleasure out of cooking and baking. Your website just enhances that pleasure!
Thanks again!
Doreen
❤️
Everyone loved this cake and frosting! The nuts on top make this a very pretty looking sheet cake too. I left out the currants because I wasn’t sure if I’d like them, and it was still very moist.
Hi Jenn my son really wants me to make carrot cake for his birthday tomorrow, I was wondering can I use safflower oil instead of vegetable oil?
Sure, Melissa…enjoy!
What speed do you use when making the cream cheese frosting?
Hi Susana, When you put the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt in the mixing bowl, mix it on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium-high. When you’re adding the confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low to combine. Once all of the sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy. Hope that helps and that you enjoy!
Another winner from Jenn! The cake is so moist and tender. I did omit the currants and added more pecans to replace. My family thoroughly enjoyed this for Easter dessert and am very glad there is a little left over!
Lovely flavor and texture. For others at high altitude, my 9×13 cake fell in the middle. I always follow instructions exactly when baking Jenn’s recipes for the first time; next time I make this, I’ll reduce the baking soda and add a little baking powder to correct the rise for altitude.
How long do you bake if making a 9 inch layer cake?
Hi Doris, I’m guessing 30 to 35 minutes.
This was a winner at our house, not too sweet and great spice flavor. I halved the recipe, baked it in a 9×9 square pan and it was done at 30 minutes.
Hey Jenn! I’m going to make this for Easter and can’t wait! I have dried cranberries and was wondering if I substitute with them, will it affect taste? I’ve never had currants so no point of reference. Should I still soak them in hot water like the currants? Thanks in advance!
Hi Anita, Currants are tiny and taste just like raisins. I think you could get away with using dried cranberries (and, yes, you’d need to soak them) but I might chop them just a bit so they aren’t so big.
This is without a doubt the best carrot cake I’ve ever made or tasted!! My mind is blown!
I added 1/2 c. of drained crushed pineapple. It did not affect the cooking time.
Hi jenn
I want to add pineapple to the carrots cake.If yes how much?
Thanks
Hi Fanny, I’d add no more than 1/2 cup — and be sure it’s well drained if using canned. Enjoy!
My 5 year old daughter requested carrot cake for her birthday (she is obsessed with bunnies and loves carrots, and of course a bunny would want a carrot cake). The recipe I have used in the past is heavy so I decided to give this one a try. First off I don’t have a food processor so I grated the carrots using the smallest size, thinking it would be closer to the texture from the food processor. I also left out the nuts because my other children aren’t a fan. Other that that I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly!!! My daughter loved it.
I should mention I did a 9in layer cake, I was really worried about not using parchment paper. But after reading the reviews I saw that Jenn advised against using paper liners for cupcakes so I decided to trust her and just buttered and floured the pans. Both layers came out easily! This will forever be my go to carrot cake recipe.
This turned out great! Thank you!
Jenn! You never fail me!
Made this cake and it turned out perfect!
💕
This recipe is amazing! I use all the time and get so many compliments! What can I use in place of the eggs in this cake, someone requested an eggless carrot cake and im not sure what i can use as a substitute?
Hi Nicola, So glad you like this cake! A number of my readers that avoid eggs have mentioned that they use flax eggs when baking. I think you could also use a store-bought egg substitute. Hope that helps!
I made this yesterday for my mom’s 84th birthday. It was easy and DELICIOUS!! A family favorite! Thank you for a great recipe!
Hi Jen, Can this recipe work in a bundt pan? If so, at what temperature and for how long?
Every recipe I have tried of yours has been a winner! Thank you for making me a better cook
Anna 🙂
Hi Anna, so glad you enjoy the recipes! I do think you could make this in a bundt pan; just be sure to use a baking spray with flour in it so it doesn’t stick. Baking temp will be the same and it should take about 60 minutes give or take, so keep an eye on it!
I tried this recipe over the weekend and took it in to the office. Everyone loved it! 😀 They said it was the best carrot cake they’ve had and these came from the carrot cake lovers! Now, they all think I’m a professional baker haha. You best believe I shared the recipe with all who asked – too good to keep to myself.
Thanks Jenn for sharing this with us 🙂
My sister requested carrot cake for her 70th birthday and I chose this recipe. I made it as a 2-layer cake and it turned out perfectly with the correct amount of frosting. The only substitute I made to the recipe was I used coconut oil.
Everyone raved about the cake.
Hi Jenn. Do you think that if I followed the directions exactly but omitted the walnuts for this carrot cake recipe it would turn out just as good? Thank you!
Yep – it will still be great – enjoy! 🙂
Hi, Jenn, does this cake need to be refrigerated since it has cream cheese frosting? Or is it OK to sit out on the counter? Thanks.
Hi Laurie, technically it should be refrigerated, but I’ve stored it on the counter and it’s been perfectly fine.
I’d like to make the carrot cake as cupcakes! I’m baking treats for my contractor as he renovates my condo– and cupcakes will be easier for him and other workers to eat while on the job! How should I adjust the baking time? And anything else? I love your blog and I bought your cookbook. You’re my favorite chef! Thank you!
Hi Sally, thanks for the nice words about the recipes – so glad you enjoy them! 🙂 I’ve never made this into cupcakes but I think that it would work. Because the batter for the cake is so liquidy, though, I wouldn’t use cupcake liners and instead, grease and flour the cupcake pan (or use non-stick cooking spray with flour). I’d start checking them for doneness after about 20 minutes. Hope the contractors enjoy!
Made this with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour and it turned out perfectly. I have your cookbook and have made almost everything on your website (Even though I’ve not taken time to post reviews for each recipe online I’d give 5-star ratings to them all)! Thank you for sharing your talent and expertise in the kitchen!
This recipe is delicious! I am so happy I found your site, my husband is too!
This sounds delicious, Jenn. Have you ever halved the recipe? Would that work? If so, what size pan should I use, and how would that affect the baking time?
Hi Davinia, You could cut this in half and bake it in a 9-inch round or square pan. I’d start checking it at about 30 – 35 minutes. Enjoy!
Hi Jenn
For the cake can i used Almond instead of walnut?
Thanks
Sure!
Hi Jenn
Can this be done in a bundt pan?
What’s going to be temperature and time?
Thanks again for your wonderful recipe
Sure, Fanny – just be sure to use a baking spray with flour in it so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Baking temp will be the same and it should take about 60 minutes give or take, so keep an eye on it!
Love this recipe and so do my friends and family. They love it so much that I have been asked to make it for a 50th birthday party. There will be over 50 people attending and I was wondering if I can double the recipe and make a big slab cake?
Hi Tamara, so glad you like this! I’m not familiar with a slab cake, but I do think you could double it. It would also be nice to make two 9 x 13’s and create a layer cake.
Thank you. By slab cake I mean a large single layer cake. Guess I would have to increase the bake time slightly. I have a convection oven so that should help with even baking.
I would love to make the carrot cake but I only have a blender, will that work?
Hi Joan, I’m not sure how a blender will do chopping the carrots — you could always just grate them really finely and use the blender for mixing the eggs, sugar and oil. Hope that helps!
I haven’t attempted this recipe yet, but wanted to see if it would be possible to add coconut and crushed pineapple (drained, of course)? Should I add more flour or keep the ingredients as is?
Hi Megan, I think as long as you drain the pineapple really well, it will be fine; I’d add just a few extra tablespoons of flour.
Can I make this recipe to a carrot cupcake? Are there any revisions to be made in the recipe? What temperature and baking time please? TIA.
And can I add crushed pineapple to the recipe too? Thanks again.
Sure, you can use pineapple bits here; I would just make sure they’re very well drained diced into small pieces.
Hi Ana, While I’ve never made them, I think that cupcakes would work. Because the batter for the cake is so liquidy, though, I wouldn’t use cupcake liners and instead, grease and flour the cupcake pan (or use non-stick cooking spray with flour). I’d start checking them for doneness after about 20 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
Amazing – I made the recipe exactly as written and it was beyond delicious! Tasted like something from a bakery. So glad I was sending my son home with the rest of it because I could’ve eaten the whole thing!
Hi, Jen. I have two questions. One, do you toast the nuts first? Or is it even necessary in this cake? And two, should I weigh the carrots BEFORE peeling and cutting in 1 in. pieces? Or weigh after? The way you listed the ingredient makes me think the former, but I wanted to be sure. Thanks for your help in advance!
Hi Kaime, No need to toast the nuts (but feel free if you want). Regarding the carrots, I always measure the weight first and then peel and cut them. It won’t make a significant difference either way. HOpe you enjoy!
Hi Jenn! I saw my Mom ask a question on here about cupcakes (hi Mom!). She made them for Easter and I HAD to have the recipe. I LOVE carrot cake and nearly cried when I ate a cupcake! I made a 9×13 cake with a 1/2 cup less of the white sugar and it turned out just as perfect! Oh, this is the best carrot cake recipe I’ve tried.
I do have one question though, do you think the oil could be substituted with applesauce? Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Elijah, So happy the cupcakes turned out well! I’ve never tried applesauce in place of oil here, but I do think this is the type of recipe where that might work. I’d love to know how it turns out!
Have you ever put coconut in this recipe? If so how much would you recommend?
Ps.
I have enjoyed all your recipes I have made.
Hi Michelle, Personally, I’ve never added coconut to this recipe, but I think you definitely could add it either to the batter or the frosting. I’d suggest about 1/2 cup. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
I made this for easter 2018, very good! Everyone loved it. I did reduce the sugar and oil and it came out perfect.
Hi Jenn,
Could I substitute gluten-free all purpose flour in this recipe? Thanks!
Hi Tiffany, I haven’t made this with gluten-free flour, but I suspect it should work. Please LMK how it turns out if you make it!
I made this for Easter dessert and everyone LOVED it! Thank you Jenn for another fantastic recipe!
I made this cake for my dad’s 75th birthday and everyone loved it. Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi Jen, the cake’s in the oven now for Easter. I’m using two 9 inch round cake pans to make a double layer cake. I just saw that I have just less than 8 oz cream cheese (1 packet). I do have butter and cream. Would you have any advice to top up the missing cream cheese so I don’t have to run to the store (sick 2 year old twins by myself)? Could I make part of it butter cream frosting and combine? thank you for all your wonderful recipes and kind help!
Hi Janet, It’s perfectly fine to replace the missing cream cheese with more butter. If you want a bit more tang, you can add a tiny squeeze of lemon. Hope that helps and your twins feel better soon. 🙂
You make me look like a superstar in the kitchen. You are my best find ever. From a small dinner party, deserts, or appetizers, whatever I make is outstanding. Thank you- your recipes are wonderful.
So glad you like the recipes, Beverly! Thanks for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
I love your recipes and I’m looking forward to your cookbook. If I omit the currents and the nuts, do I have to make any other changes to the recipe?
So glad you like the recipes! It’s fine to omit the nuts and currants and no additional changes are necessary. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Jen, I’m such a huge fan of your site. It’s made cooking so much more fun and successful! I’m hosting Easter and planning to make this cake a day in advance. Would you recommend waiting to frost just before serving, or can I frost the day before? If it has to be done day of, can the frosting be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge? Thank you! Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, so glad you enjoy the recipes! 🙂 I would frost it ahead of time but if you’d prefer to wait, you can store the icing in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before frosting the cake so it’s easier to spread. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Jenn, Making your carrot cake for the first time for Easter. I have Morton Iodized salt, Morton Coarse Kosher Salt and Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. Can any of these be used in the cake or should I try and locate the salt in your picture of ingredients. Thank you! Marion
Hi Marion, the Morton Iodized salt will work perfectly here; no need to use the exact salt I did. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Jenn! I was wondering if this carrot cake can be made as cupcakes? Are there any adjustments to make? Thanks so much, Tisa
Hi Tisa, I think that cupcakes would work, but because the batter for the cake is so liquidy, I wouldn’t use cupcake liners and instead, grease and flour the cupcake pan (or use non-stick cooking spray with flour). I’d start checking them for doneness after about 20 minutes. Hope you enjoy!
Good morning Jenn,can I grater my carrots and mix the cake in my Kitchen Aid.
Thanks in advance for your response
Yes that’s fine, Arlene. Hope you enjoy!
Followed exact recipe with perfect result. Admire your talent, enjoy your creative and healthy recipes.
Any chance I could make this in two 9 inch rounds and use one now and freeze one for later? Or would it be better to make in 13×9 and then cut in half and freeze one half? Was hoping to possibly serve two smaller groups with same cake–at different times type of thing…(freezing cake only and frosting once thawed and ready to serve)…
Hi Diane, yes this would work in two 9-inch round pans. The baking time will be a bit shorter – 35 minutes give or take. Enjoy!
This looks amazing! Great idea soaking the currants and processing the carrots!
Can’t wait to make it!
Having guests…Decided to make this cake because I didn’t want to bother with a layer cake. What a surprise! Delicious! I’m not a huge raisin eater, however the currants (Whole Foods) were surprisingly petite, moist and not at all overpowering. My guests loved it. Followed your recipe to a “T”. I can’t wait for your cookbook. My friends think I’m a fabulous cook….Jenn your recipes never fail me! 😊
I’m making this for Super Bowl and would like to know if you took your cake out of the pan before frosting and serving and if so, how? Thanks
Hi Debbie, Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack to room temperature, then invert the pan to remove the cake. Let cool completely before frosting. Hope you enjoy!
I would love to make this cake for a friends surprise party but have a pretty busy day wondering if it’s OK to make the batter the day before and keep in the fridge and bake it on the day of the event what do you think ? Please let me know ASAP thank you !
Hi Minnie, The cake should be baked immediately after mixing but it’s perfectly fine to make it a day ahead of time – this cake keeps well.
Thanks so much! I was going to make it earlier but I making it at this moment and will serve it for a baby shower tomorrow , wish me luck 😀
This was AMAZING! Carrot is my favorite kind of cake and this recipe is just perfect. My batter was darker than the photos (I used dark brown sugar as per the recipe), and I baked it in 2 9-inch layers. Plenty of frosting left even with a light coat around the sides — almost naked-style. Brought it to a birthday party and got lots of compliments. My family couldn’t get enough. 🙂 Thank you once again!
Made this cake on the heels of having made my prior go-to recipe for carrot cake. It comes together very quickly. This is the NEW standard for our house.
We like our cream cheese frosting on the tangy side and go with a 2:1 cream cheese to butter ratio. Otherwise we followed recipe to a tee.
Also adding a tablespoon or two (to taste) of lemon juice is also amazing! Adds a subtle citrus taste and a bit of lovely tanginess!
I always wanted to make a good carrot cake and have been looking for a recipe on and off over the internet. I found this website when I was looking for ricotta cheese cake recipe and found this carrot cake recipe. I tried it out and it turned out to be the recipe I have been looking for all along. Absolutely delicious. I am very thankful for the descriptions of why to do certain tasks (like tossing the currants in flour so they don’t sink into the cake), love your site and I recommended to so many of my friends since then.
Okay, I’m alittle concerned because in pouring the oil in slowly it almost got to a mayonnaise consistency – the eggs, sugar, and oil step. No one else mentioned this. I hope its okay. Taking it for Shabbat.
Hi Diane, How did this turn out for you?
This may have been asked already but do you think this could be used to make cake donuts? Maybe adjust the liquid to make it more dense?
Hi Tracy, I’ve never tried making donuts with this batter, but I don’t think it would translate that well — sorry!
Hi! Quick question for you. I can’t find confectioners sugar in my local grocery store in London. What can I substitute for it?
Hi Ambreen, In the UK, I believe it is called icing sugar.
Thank you so much! The carrot cake was delicious! My hubby loved it!
Big hit with everyone from my mother in law to my mother whom loves carrot cake and at 79 years old told me it is the best carrot cake she has ever eaten. Thank you for this outstanding recipe.
Can this be done in a bundt pan?
Sure, Bonnie – just be sure to use a baking spray with flour in it so it doesn’t stick.
Hi..
I love the looks of this recipe, but was hoping to make it into mini-cupcakes (24-count). Any suggestions about baking time??
Thanks!
Hi Kate, I’d check for doneness around 12 to 15 minutes. Enjoy!
What a phenomenal cake!
Hi Kate I want to make mini cupcakes as well; did yours turn out?? Thanks. G
I first made this recipe for Easter. I was not allowed to take home any leftovers as it was a big hit with the hostess! One tip from the recipe I particularly thought was helpful was to put the carrots in a food processor instead of grating them. The small couscous size pieces were a better way of doing it. I’m being asked to make it several times. No better carrot cake recipe out there!
I made this for my husband for his birthday yesterday and he said it was the best ever. Since he’s tried a lot, I thought I’d let you know. The chopped carrots were a big helpful tip.
Love your recipes and your generosity.
Oh wowza! This recipe looks amazeballs. I am going to add it to my bookmarks and make it soon. I have a weakness for carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Hi Jen,
Cake is delicious. I used 1/3 less fat cream cheese for the frosting and 3-1/2 cups confectioners sugar and it was delicious. Another great recipe from Jen.
Thanks
Fantastic recipe! Delicious and brings back childhood memories. I omitted the currants and it didn`t impact the taste. The icing was delicious! although I must add that the icing wasn`t as firm as I thought it would be., it wasn`t that thick. Maybe I whipped it up too long.
Does this need to be stored in the fridge because of the cream cheese frosting?
Hi Katrina, technically it should be refrigerated, but I’ve stored it on the counter and it’s been fine.
How would I adjust to use a loaf pan?
Hi Mary, You’d need two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans. I’d lower the baking temperature to 325°F. Bake time will also be different. I’d start checking them at 65 minutes. Please LMK how they turn out!
If I use raisins instead of currants do I still need to soak them in hot water?
While it’s not mandatory, I recommend it- it definitely helps to plump them up. Hope you enjoy!
Hi! So the recipe requires baking soda but no baking powder? Just want to be sure before I make a mistake. Thanks!
That’s correct– hope you enjoy!
Hi Jen,
If I were to make this cake with whole wheat flour instead of white flour, would it require any alterations or could I just go ahead with the recipe as is?
Looking forward to your answer
Vanita
Hi Vanita, I would suggest replacing only about 1/2 of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and see how you like the results. I suspect using all whole wheat will affect the texture of the cake. LMK how it turns out!
For a long time I have been wanting to make an authentic American cheesecake. I made one once, but the recipe came from a Dutch magazine and was, though OK, a bit disappointing. Since all of your recipes I tried ended up in my cookbook, I gave this one a try and it was AMAZING! Of course I have no reference of significance, but the cake is easy to make, it is at the same time light and moist, sweet and spicy and just fingerlicking good! Today you were thought of from across the big pond while we were eating your heavenly good carrot cake out in the garden on the first sunny day of spring. Beautiful picture right? Thanks again Jen for another perfect recipe!
This is the absolute best carrot cake recipe! My husband doesn’t even like carrot cake but he ate 1/3 of this one in one night! The frosting has a wonderful light/whipped texture and is not too sweet. I think grinding up the carrots in the food processor really gives the cake a nice texture and lots of moisture! Thank you for this amazing recipe.
Carrot cake with homemade icing is delicious and lovely to serve. Using sheet cake pan, so it’s easy to cut into squares and serves a crowd! Adding this to my Easter Brunch menu, with your fabulous pumpkin bread recipe. Thank you for these wonderful recipes.
Easy, delish. left out the nuts. Family was crazy about it!!
Made this to try out for Easter and it was fabulous. Left out the nuts, personal preference, but it was still really good. Very moist, nice texture.
Carrot Cake is my favourite and this recipe certainly makes me like it even more.
I made in 9″ tins and sandwiched together but have just replaced my tins with 10″. How would I go about making enough batter for 2 10″
Glad you like the carrot cake! Are you tins round or square?
Hi Jen
I would like to make this in a springform pan and add a cream cheese layer , what r your thoughts ? Do u think that would work? Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Hi Maria, yes, I think that would work. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Carrot cake is my husband’s favorite dessert, so, naturally, when I showed him how beautiful this site is, the first thing he noticed was the carrot cake photo! This recipe is FANTASTIC — moist, light, and beautifully spiced ! Before this cake I’ve made two-layer carrot cakes without raisins, which I generally find too big and distracting. But for this recipe I took a chance on the Zante currants, and I love them! They are perfectly sized and provide, with the walnuts, a nice bit of texture and flavor. I frosted the cake just as it is frosted in the photo. To me the cake’s flavor improved the following day, and it stayed fresh and moist for a week. Delicious for dessert and [guilty smile] breakfast.
Can I use raisins since no one sells currants where I live??
Sure Tiffany, raisins will work really well.
I’m really looking forward to making this. Love your recipes! Sorry to bother you, I just have one question – if I were to make this two days ahead before my party, do you think that’s too much time – would alter the taste and/or dry out?
Hi Jen, I think 2 days would be fine, but probably wouldn’t stretch it more than that for the best results. Enjoy!
You mentioned to bake in a heavy 9×13 heavy metal pan. Would it work in a glass pan? Thanks
Hi Abbie, Glass will work, although I’d keep an eye on it and reduce the heat by 25°F if it looks like it’s starting to brown around the edges. Enjoy!
Hi,
I live in France and I see you’ve spent some time here, so maybe you could help me by giving me an equivalent/substitution name of allspice and ground clove spices over here?
Thank you!
Hi Bianca, In France, ground cloves are called “girofle en poudre” and allspice is called “quatre-épices.” If you can’t find either of them, go ahead and replace with more cinnamon. Hope that helps!
This carrot cake is magnificent! The cake is the perfect density/moisture/taste and the frosting is divine… fluffy, flavorful and not too sweet! I made a 9″ layer cake and had enough frosting to cover the entire cake. As usual, every recipe I try of yours’ gets added to my cookbook. Thank you!
Oh this recipe looks divine Jenn! I want to make 2 9″ rounds instead of the 9″x13″ pan; what modifications do I need to make to baking time and/or temperature?
Thank you!
Hi Aileen, You don’t need to alter the temperature at all, but the baking time may be a tiny bit longer if at all. Hope you enjoy!
Jen, this carrot cake was amazing!! I may have blended the dry ingredients and wet ingredients too much, because it came out quite dense. Is that a possibility?
Although this cake had great reviews with family and friends, could I substitute the currants with pineapple bits? Just a preference for myself.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and perfect recipes!!
Hi Beatrice, glad you liked the cake. It really shouldn’t be dense, but I don’t think over blending it would’ve caused that. Did you really finely chop the carrots in a food processor? (They should be the consistency of couscous.)
I did. Hmm.. this calls for a re-bake! May I substitute pineapple bits instead of currants? Just a personal preference.
Oh yes Beatrice, sorry I forgot to answer that! Sure, you can use pineapple bits here; I would just make sure they’re very well drained diced into small pieces.
Thank you for this recipe. Cake was delicious, everybody liked it. I made it for my one year old, so I skipped the nuts. I don’t own a food processor, so instead I used the regular mixer, and it worked fine! I will do it again and again. Tastes better after a few days. Cheers!
My son has a nut allergy. Do you have any recommendations for modifying this? Could you also recommend modifications if I skipped the currants too? My other son might not like them.
Hi Helena, you can omit the nuts and currants if you’d like. (If he likes raisins, you could replace the currants them.) Hope everyone enjoys!
Cake looks so moist and delicious, I can’t wait to try it out.
I am just curious to know if I would be getting the same result by skipping eggs. Would you recommend any other substitute for eggs?
Hi Deepa, Unfortunately, you can’t omit the eggs in this cake. So sorry!
If I wanted shredded coconut in the cake, where would be good place to put it? On top or actually in the cake?
I think that’s a matter of personal preference Amy. I think either would work!
Amazing recipe. Moist and delicious!
I made this recipe for my mother-in-law. She requested the recipe!! Thank you!!!
My daughter always loved the Costco carrot cake but they’ve stopped selling it at least in her area so for Mother’s Day her daughter made your cake. It was a hit with all the carrot cake lovers! Definitely a winner. Next time they will put all the frosting on (I thought 3/4 was just fine) but we were able to use the part they didn’t add when the girls made it into a glaze for cinnamon roll pancakes. We used raisins instead of currants but followed the rest exactly. Super duper!
The carrot cake was fabulous – very moist with a wonderful mix of spices. Best I have ever tasted
PS -jenn the metric for cream cheese is incorrect 12 ounces is 340 grams not 240 as stated .
So sorry about that, Lee Ann. Thank you for letting me know — it has been corrected!
I did discover one thing. I think your metric conversions are off. I calculate 12 ounces to equal 340 grams not 240. Just to let you know
You’re right LeAnn- thanks so much for pointing that out and I apologize for any confusion that may have caused! Please let me know if you see any other errors!
Tomorrow night will be a Jennifer full night as I just made the marinade for the chicken and the dressing for the crunchy Thai salad. But getting to the point – I made this in 2 9 inch cake pans. . What I am worried about is that I had more than enough icing to also ice the sides. What have I done wrong ? Fingers crossed it tastes good, it certainly looks fabulous.
No worries, Lee Ann — the recipe makes a lot of icing. Hope your dinner is a success!
Made this last weekend, followed the recipe exactly, and it was delicious, the best carrot cake I have ever tasted. I use your recipes a lot and have never been disappointed. Thank you so much and I hope your cookbook is a big success, I will definitely be buying one.
Made this cake on the weekend. A lovely moist cake with a delicious frosting. Love that cream cheese frosting!
This is a recipe I will be making again! 🙂
Amazing…..that’s all I can say! Followed recipe exactly. Everyone loved it!
Hi Jenn,
Just wanted to know if this recipe can be turned into cupcakes? If so, what would be the modification (ex: bake time). Thank you in advance for your help!
Sandra, I think that would work, but because the batter for the cake is so liquidy, I would forgo the cupcake liners and instead, grease and flour the cupcake pan (or use non-stick cooking spray with flour). I would start checking them for doneness after about 20 minutes.
OHMIGOD!!! It’s like you’re psychic!! I had carrot cake on the brain just now, pulled up your site and you just happened to have a recipe right there! Since your recipes are always amazing, I will have to give this a try.
I tried the Carrot Cake for Easter and it was a BIG hit! Thanks
Hi Jenn,
I just wanted to tell you that I made this carrot cake this past Easter Sunday and have received 6 formal requests for the receipe!! Everyone loved it! It was absolutely delicious and moist! Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes.
BTW: Do you happen to have a lemon cupcake recipe somewhere out there? 🙂
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Glad everyone enjoyed it, Sandra! I don’t have a lemon cupcake recipe posted but I’ll add it to my list. 🙂
Can crushed pineapple be added to this recipe? Also, what is all purpose flour? Does that flour already have baking powder in it? Australia uses different descriptions.
Hi Beverly, I wouldn’t add crushed pineapple to this recipe — it will make the batter too liquid, and the cake will not have enough structure to rise properly. Sorry! And all purpose flour is just plain flour. It does not already have baking powder or salt in it. Hope that helps!
I made this cake for Easter lunch. It received rave reviews from my guests. The food processor preparation was brilliant. The soaked currants were much better than raisins. I especially loved the combination of spices. It’s an easy cake and tastes rich and elegant. Excellent with a good cup of coffee or tea. Thanks Jen for another showstopper.
Can you use canned carrots?
I’d stick with fresh, Dianna, as canned carrots might add too much moisture and throw the texture off.
I am eating this as I’m typing this. Amazing!!! So delicious! The cake is full of flavor and the icing is light. Once again, thank you for a delicious recipe that makes me feel like a rock star when I serve it to my family.
I have made many of your recipes and they are always wonderful; however, I made this carrot cake today and it totally fell in the middle and even around the edges it doesn’t seem to be done (although a toothpick came out clean). I used raisins instead of currants and avocado oil – could the avocado oil be the problem? Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly and I’ve never had a problem with my oven not cooking things properly
Hi Terry, So sorry you had trouble with the cake. I’ve made it dozens of times and never had that issue. I can’t say for sure about the avocado oil, as I’ve never baked it with it, but it sounds like the cake was likely just undercooked.
Just made this!!:)..It was amazing!!..best Carrot Cake I’ve ever made!! Thanks so much!!
HI Jenn! can you leave out the currants? And roughly how many carrots is one pound? Thanks Happy Easter
Hi Sara, Totally fine to omit the currants (and nuts, if you’d like) and there are about 6-8 medium (or 4 very large) carrots in a pound.
can this be made ahead of time and frozen ?
Hi Bohdanna, The cake can definitely be made ahead and frozen but not the frosting.
I don’t have a food processor,but I have a Vitamix. Do you think that would work okay for this recipe?
Hi Karen, I’m not sure how the Vitamix will do chopping the carrots — you could always just grate them really finely and use the vitamix for mixing the eggs, sugar and oil.