Best 8 Excellent Carrot Cake Recipes

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Carrot cake, a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with its moist texture, vibrant color, and symphony of sweet and spicy flavors, has captivated dessert enthusiasts for centuries. With its origins shrouded in history, carrot cake has undergone a remarkable culinary journey, evolving from a humble peasant dish to a celebrated delicacy enjoyed across the globe. As you embark on this culinary adventure, let us guide you through the realm of carrot cake recipes, unveiling the secrets to crafting an exceptional masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on your palate.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST CARROT CAKE



The Best Carrot Cake image

Our classic carrot cake is nicely spiced with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and has toasted pecans both in the cake and on top. Plumped golden raisins and a full pound of carrots make it nice and moist while buttermilk lends tang and tenderness. Our homemade cream-cheese frosting has just the right amount of sweetness.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 4h

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 pound carrots, peeled, coarsely grated
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Four 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
4 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • For the cake: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds and lightly coat the paper with spray.
  • Cover the raisins with very hot water and let sit until plump, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.
  • Toast the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet until fragrant and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, and then chop 1 cup of the pecans; reserve for the cake batter. Pulse the remaining 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor until very finely ground; reserve for garnish.
  • Combine the carrots and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Whisk the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Beat the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually stream in the oil. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the carrot mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Fold in the raisins and chopped pecans with a rubber spatula. Scrape the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake the cakes, rotating the pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let the cakes cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the cakes and invert onto the rack. Remove the parchment and let the cakes cool completely.
  • For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low and gradually mix in the confectioner' sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • To assemble the cake: When the cakes are completely cool, trim the domes of each cake round with a large serrated knife so the tops are flat. Place one cake, cut-side down, on a platter. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the frosting evenly over top. Place the remaining cake, cut-side down, on top. Spread the top with another 1 1/2 cups of the frosting. Frost the sides of the cake with another 1 1/2 cups frosting and smooth out completely to make an even crumb coat (It's ok if some of the cake shows through. This is just a base layer.) Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the frosting set.
  • Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, swirling decoratively if desired. Sprinkle with the finely ground pecans.

BEST CARROT CAKE EVER



Best Carrot Cake Ever image

A moist and flavorful recipe that makes a large quantity of cake. I have been hounded to make this cake time and time again.

Provided by Nan

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Spice Cake Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins
4 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes, then stir in raisins.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10 inch cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil and vanilla. Stir in the pineapple. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, stir into the wet mixture until absorbed. Finally stir in the carrot mixture and the walnuts. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.4 calories, Carbohydrate 66.3 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 315.2 mg, Sugar 42.8 g

BEST CARROT CAKE



Best Carrot Cake image

After a bite of this, you'll be on cloud nine. I love to bake this moist carrot cake recipe for friends and family. -Geri Frahm, Gretna, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h35m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups shredded carrots
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Stir in the carrots, pineapple, raisins and walnuts. , Transfer to a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to wire rack to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 621 calories, Fat 32g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 235mg sodium, Carbohydrate 81g carbohydrate (60g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

EXCELLENT CARROT CAKE



Excellent Carrot Cake image

Chock full of flavor, this is the best carrot cake! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. A tad more time consuming than the average carrot cake, but well worth it!

Provided by MizzNezz

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/4 cups coconut
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup solid margarine, softened
1 (16 ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Combine first 5 ingredients; beat well.
  • Mix flour, soda, salt and cinnamon; add to creamed mixture; stir well.
  • Add carrots, walnuts, pineapple and coconut; stir well.
  • Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9 baking pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 55 minutes, or until pick comes out clean.
  • Buttermilk Glaze: Combine first 5 ingredients in large saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil; cook 4 minutes on medium heat.
  • Remove from heat; add vanilla.
  • Pour buttermilk glaze over warm cake; let cake cool.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix cream cheese and butter; beat until smooth.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Spread cream cheese frosting on top of cooled cake.

THE BEST CARROT CAKE YOU'LL EVER EAT RECIPE BY TASTY



The Best Carrot Cake You'll Ever Eat Recipe by Tasty image

Hand-grating carrots is a labor of love that gives this recipe the ultimate carrot flavor and delicate texture we love in our cake. Not to be outdone, the luscious cream cheese frosting has real vanilla bean to take this cake to the next level. This is the best carrot cake we have ever made.

Provided by Matt Ciampa

Categories     Bakery Goods

Time 1h40m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
2 lb large carrot, peeled
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon McCormick® vanilla extract
1 cup vegetable oil
2 sticks butter, softened
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
3 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottoms of 3 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray.
  • Make the cake: Grate the carrots on the large holes of a box grater. You should have about 6 cups.
  • In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots and buttermilk and stir until the carrots are completely coated.
  • In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking soda, cloves, allspice and nutmeg.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), combine the brown and granulated sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until the mixture drips from the whisk in ribbons, about 3 minutes.
  • With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through, if necessary. Continue mixing until the mixture is fully emulsified, about 2 minutes.
  • Add ⅓ of the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Add ½ of the carrot mixture and continue mixing on low speed until incorporated. Continue alternating adding the flour and carrot mixture. Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a flat rubber spatula to bring the batter together.
  • Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and let cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer), cream together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, and vanilla bean seeds until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until silky and smooth, about 4 minutes.
  • Assemble the cake: Dab a bit of frosting on a cake board and place a cake layer on top. Scoop 1 cup of frosting onto the cake. Repeat with the remaining 2 layers. Use the remaining frosting to coat the top of the cake completely, leaving the sides naked.
  • Slice and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 755 calories, Carbohydrate 107 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 74 grams

THE ULTIMATE CARROT CAKE



The Ultimate Carrot Cake image

Make and share this The Ultimate Carrot Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Diana Adcock

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1 cake

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 (1 lb) bag carrot, grated
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup butter, at room temp
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temp
1 (16 ounce) package confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest, no pith attached
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) package pecan halves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Sift together the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger onto a sheet of waxed paper.
  • Mix the sugars together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • Stir in the flour mixture, grated carrots, chopped pecans, coconut and raisins.
  • Stir until well blended.
  • Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans.
  • Line each prepared pan with wax or parchment paper that has also been greased and waxed.
  • Pour equal amounts into each of the cake pans.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Turn out onto cooling racks, remove wax paper and allow to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl beat the butter and cream cheese together until light.
  • Add the confectioners sugar, orange peel and vanilla mixing until smooth.
  • Spread frosting between layers and stack evenly.
  • Frost the top and sides of cake.
  • Decorate with perfect pecan halves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 11811.4, Fat 722.3, SaturatedFat 197.6, Cholesterol 1349.3, Sodium 6251.9, Carbohydrate 1302.4, Fiber 90.7, Sugar 1001.6, Protein 136.3

CARROT CAKE



Carrot Cake image

My family's best carrot cake recipe dates back to my great-grandmother! We bake up a few of these carrot cakes for special occasions to make sure there's enough to go around. You'll love the texture this pretty, moist treat gets from pineapple, coconut and, of course, carrots! -Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups canola oil
2 cups finely grated carrots
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional chopped nuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add the eggs, oil, carrots and vanilla; beat until combined. Stir in pineapple, coconut and nuts. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a small bowl until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Frost cake. Sprinkle with additional nuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 819 calories, Fat 49g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 346mg sodium, Carbohydrate 91g carbohydrate (72g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

BA'S BEST CARROT CAKE



BA's Best Carrot Cake image

This is the only carrot cake recipe you'll ever need.

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Categories     Bon Appétit     Cake     Carrot     Spring     Spice     Cream Cheese     Walnut     Dessert     Birthday     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 26

For the cake:
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)
3 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 pound carrots, peeled, coarsely grated
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup vegetable oil
For the frosting and assembly:
12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Generous pinch of kosher salt
4 cups powdered sugar
Candied Carrot Coins

Steps:

  • Make the cake:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat two 9"-diameter cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper rounds; lightly coat rounds with nonstick spray. If using raisins and rum, heat together in a small saucepan over low just until warm, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit until liquid is absorbed and raisins are plump, 15-20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes; let cool. Combine carrots and buttermilk in a medium bowl.
  • Whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low and gradually stream in oil. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with carrot mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; mix until smooth. Fold in raisins, if using, and walnuts with a rubber spatula. Scrape batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around sides of cakes and invert onto wire rack; remove parchment. Let cool completely.
  • Make the frosting:
  • Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla extract and salt. Reduce speed to low and gradually mix in powdered sugar. Increase speed to high and beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Assemble the cake:
  • Place 1 cake, domed side down, on a platter. Spread 3/4 cup frosting evenly over top. Place remaining cake, domed side down, on top. Spread top and sides with 1 1/4 cups frosting and chill 30 minutes to let frosting set. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides, swirling decoratively. Top with Candied Carrot Coins, if desired.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps during the baking process.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This includes using fresh carrots, eggs, and butter.
  • Grate the carrots finely: This will help them distribute evenly throughout the batter and ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can toughen the cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This will ensure that the cake is cooked through.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help the frosting set properly and prevent it from melting.
  • Use a cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for carrot cake. It's rich, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the sweet carrot cake.
  • Decorate the cake with chopped walnuts, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: This will add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion:

Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and cream cheese frosting, it's sure to be a hit with family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special treat, give carrot cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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