![- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 4 large eggs - 1 cup vegetable oil - 3 cups grated carrots - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 8 oz softened cream cheese - 1/2 cup softened butter - 4 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To make this easy carrot cake, gather your ingredients first. Fresh carrots give the best flavor, so use whole carrots and grate them yourself. You can also add crushed pineapple to add moisture and sweetness. If you like nuts, chop walnuts for extra crunch. For frosting, cream cheese makes it rich. Mix softened cream cheese with butter and sugar for the best taste. Remember, you can skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. Check the [Full Recipe] for all steps to follow! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) - Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to baking. Greasing and flouring the pans keeps the cake from sticking, which is very important. - Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt Next, take a large bowl. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and other dry ingredients. This helps mix everything well and adds air. It makes the cake light and fluffy. - Beat the eggs and mix with oil and vanilla until smooth In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This step adds moisture and flavor to your cake. - Combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing - Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Stir gently. You want to mix just enough. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Next, fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts. These ingredients add flavor and texture. - Pour batter into prepared pans - Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops. Now, place them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs. - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack - Optional: Frost with cream cheese frosting once completely cooled Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting. If you want, add cream cheese frosting for extra flavor. Check the Full Recipe for more details on the frosting. - Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor. - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Using fresh carrots makes a big difference. The flavor is sweeter and brighter. Room temperature ingredients mix well, giving you a smoother batter. - Avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick early. - Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Toothpicks help you check doneness. Insert one in the center; it should come out clean. An oven thermometer ensures your oven runs at the right heat. This keeps your cake from drying out. - Add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or edible flowers for garnish. - Consider using a piping bag for an elegant frosting application. Crushed walnuts add crunch and flavor. Edible flowers make your cake look special. A piping bag helps you frost neatly, giving your cake a professional touch. For more details, check the Full Recipe for my easy carrot cake. {{image_4}} You can easily make this carrot cake nut-free. Just omit the walnuts from the recipe. This still keeps the cake moist and tasty. You won’t miss the nuts at all! If you need a gluten-free option, this is simple too. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure to check the blend has a good mix of flours for the best texture. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding raisins or shredded coconut to the batter. They give the cake a fun texture and add extra sweetness. These add-ins make each bite even more special. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can keep leftover carrot cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you frost the cake, refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to a week. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. If you want to save some for later, wrap slices in plastic wrap. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. Enjoy your carrot cake fresh anytime! For the full recipe, check back at the top of the article. To make your carrot cake more moist, consider adding more crushed pineapple or a bit of applesauce. Both ingredients bring moisture and natural sweetness to the cake. Pineapple also adds a fruity flavor that pairs well with carrots. Applesauce is a great substitute if you want to cut down on oil. Just remember to drain the pineapple well before mixing it in. Yes, you can use other types of flour! Whole wheat or almond flour can work well. If you use whole wheat flour, keep in mind it may make the cake denser. Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor. Adjust the ratios based on the flour you choose. Sometimes, you may need to add a bit more liquid if you switch to almond flour. To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give your cake a few more minutes. Baking times can vary by oven, so keep an eye on your cake as it nears the end of the baking time. This blog post guides you through making an easy carrot cake. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to store leftovers and explore variations. Carrot cake is simple and fun to bake, even for beginners. I hope these tips inspire you to create a delicious treat. Enjoy the process and share your cake with friends and family!](https://tossedtastes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/52df6731-9a72-4ec7-869c-ab7af061652b-300x300.webp)
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Indulge in the sweetness of this delightful carrot cake that's sure to impress! With a perfect blend of grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and a hint of warm spices, this recipe offers a scrumptious twist on a classic treat. Follow simple steps to create a moist and flavorful cake, topped off with creamy frosting. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dessert to your next gathering!