Moist Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

If you’re searching for the best carrot cake recipe, you’ve just found it. This moist homemade carrot cake is perfectly spiced, studded with pecans, and topped with a light, fluffy cream cheese whipped frosting. It’s an easy dessert that works for birthdays, holidays, or even as a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cake

¾ cup (185 ml) vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
1 teaspoon (3 g) ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
½ teaspoon (2 g) ground allspice
¼ teaspoon (1 g) ground cloves
2 cups (200 g) finely grated carrots
¾ cup (75 g) roasted pecans

For the Frosting

¼ cup (60 g) cream cheese
2 tablespoons (15 g) powdered sugar
½ cup (125 ml) cold whipping cream
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

(Measuring cup = 250 ml)

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a loaf tin or an 8-inch round cake pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, allspice, and cloves. Mix well.
Make the Batter: Gradually fold dry mixture into wet mixture until just combined.
Add Carrots & Pecans: Gently stir in grated carrots and roasted pecans. Avoid overmixing.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture.
Frost & Garnish: Spread frosting over cooled cake and top with extra pecans if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.)

Calories: 420
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 30 g
Sodium: 310 mg

Why This Is the Best Carrot Cake Recipe

This homemade carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully spiced. Unlike heavy versions, the light cream cheese whipped frosting gives a creamy finish without overwhelming the cake. It’s a dessert that feels comforting yet elegant—perfect for gatherings or everyday indulgence.

The History of Carrot Cake

Carrot cake has been enjoyed for centuries. In medieval Europe, carrots were often used as a natural sweetener when sugar was rare and expensive. Over time, this humble dessert evolved into the rich, spiced cakes we enjoy today. The American-style carrot cake, popularized in the 20th century, traditionally includes cream cheese frosting, nuts, and warm spices. This recipe honors that tradition while keeping it simple and balanced.

Ingredient Highlights

Carrots: Naturally sweet, they keep the cake moist.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like depth.
Pecans: Provide crunch and nutty flavor.
Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves: Warm spices that define the cake’s taste.
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: A lighter twist on the classic topping.

Storage and Freezing

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Allow to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost before serving.

Variations You Can Try

Pineapple Carrot Cake: Add crushed pineapple for extra sweetness.
Carrot Cake with Raisins: Stir in golden raisins for chewy texture.
Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds.
Layered Carrot Cake: Double the recipe for a two-layer cake.
Extra Spice: Add nutmeg or cardamom for richer flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Tea: Earl Grey or chai complement the spices.
Coffee: Enjoy with cappuccino or latte.
Wine: Moscato or sparkling wine for celebrations.
Fruit: Fresh berries balance the richness.

Health Benefits

Even though it’s a dessert, carrot cake has some wholesome elements:

Carrots are high in beta-carotene for eye health.
Pecans provide healthy fats and protein.
Spices like cinnamon and cloves offer anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion

This easy carrot cake recipe with cream cheese frosting is moist, flavorful, and timeless. With every slice, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of spiced cake, crunchy pecans, sweet carrots, and creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite—the kind of dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

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Enjoy.