Homemade Carrot Cake: A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion
Homemade Carrot Cake is a timeless dessert that combines warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. With its moist, spiced layers and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

This recipe is easy to make and loaded with classic ingredients like freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and crunchy nuts, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Carrot Cake
🥕 Moist and Flavorful
The grated carrots and rich spices make this cake incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly
This cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavors only get better as it sits.
🎂 Customizable
Add your favorite mix-ins like raisins, pineapple, or coconut for a unique twist.
👩🍳 Crowd-Pleaser
Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a showstopper on your dessert table.
Ingredients for Homemade Carrot Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts.
2️⃣ Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3️⃣ Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
5️⃣ Decorate and Serve
- Garnish with swirls of frosting, toasted walnuts, and carrot shavings. Slice and serve!
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake
🥕 Grate Fresh Carrots
Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor—don’t use pre-shredded ones.
🌰 Toast the Walnuts
Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch.
📦 Store Properly
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
🎨 Creative Decorations
Top with marzipan carrots, edible flowers, or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra-special presentation.

Homemade Carrot Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts optional
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients, carrots, and walnuts.
- Bake in pans for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
- Assemble cake layers with frosting. Decorate and serve!