Perfectly Moist Carrot Cake: Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

2 eggs

160 grams (3/4 cup) sugar

200 grams (1.5 cups) all-purpose flour

1 medium carrot

1 teaspoon cinnamon

7 grams (1.5 teaspoons) baking powder

80 grams (3/4 cup) walnuts or pecans, chopped

80 milliliters (1/3 cup) vegetable oil

*zest of one orange (optional)

We recommend:

For granulated sugar:

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Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1

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(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime

Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)

4.8

(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime

4.6

(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details

For all-purpose flour:

Prime

4.8

(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime

4.7

(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller

4.7

(20,691) King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary $8.62 View details

For medium carrot:

4.5

(120) Ne-Mo's Bakery Carrot Cake Squares - 36 Pack $89.99 View details

(2) Ne-Mo's Bakery Carrot Bread - 12 Pack $45.35 View details

(1) Personalized Carrot Patch Metal Garden Sign Easter Decoration Indoor Outdoor $26.75 View details

For ground cinnamon:

Prime

4.6

(9,600) FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, 100% Raw from Sri Lanka, 16oz, Packaging May Vary (Pack of 1) $19.99 View details Prime

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(13) Unpretentious Ground Cassia Cinnamon, 1 Gallon, Baking & Cooking $45.99 View details Prime

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(9,766) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Cinnamon, Ground, 15 ounce (Pack of 1) $9.02 $10.31 View details

For baking powder:

Prime

4.8

(10,144) Clabber Girl Double Acting Baking Powder, 8.1 Ounce $2.63 View details Prime

4.7

(10,727) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 Ounce $1.79 View details Prime best seller

4.8

(8,361) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Powder Aluminum Free, 10 Ounce $3.29 View details

For chopped walnuts or pecans:

Prime

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(20) Diamond of California Finely Diced Walnuts, 10 oz, 12 Pack $74.51 View details Prime

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(19,836) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly California Walnuts Halves and Pieces, 16 ounce (Pack of 2) $15.84 View details Prime

4.8

(9,581) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Chopped Pecans, 8 Ounce $9.69 View details

For vegetable oil:

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(17,570) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Canola Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $10.99 $16.74 View details Prime

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(33) Goya Foods Vegetable Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) $68.86 View details Prime

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(26,340) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Vegetable Soybean Oil, 128 fl oz (Pack of 1) $9.99 $18.21 View details

Frosting:

180 grams (6.5 ounces) cream cheese

100 grams (1/2 cup) heavy cream (33-35%)

60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar

We recommend:

For cream cheese:

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(4) Daiya Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Vegan Frozen Cheesecake, 14.1 Ounce (Pack of 8) $107.26 View details Prime

4.7

(13,623) Betty Crocker Favorites Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, 13.25 oz (Pack of 12) $23.04 View details

4.4

(11,950) LorAnn Lemon Bakery Emulsion, 4 ounce bottle (Pack of 2) $16.98 View details

For heavy cream:

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Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor

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(680) Judee's Heavy Cream Powder 5 lb - Ideal for Baking, Cooking, and Beverages - Easy-to-Mix for Liquid Cream - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Enhance Coffee, Pastries, Sauces, and Soups - Rich Flavor $61.99 View details

For powdered sugar:

Prime

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(37) Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Powdered Sugar, Naturally Flavored Real Sugar, Non GMO & Gluten Free, 50 Pound (Pack of 1) $106.95 View details Prime best seller

Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb)

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(118,724) Lakanto Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol - Powdered Sugar Substitute, Zero Calorie, Keto Diet Friendly, Zero Net Carbs, Baking, Extract, Sugar Replacement (Powdered - 1 lb) $11.90 View details Prime

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(39,317) Swerve Sweetener Powder, Confectioners, 12 oz $6.98 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prep:

Toast or bake the nuts until golden brown, then chop them.

Grate the fresh carrot on a fine grater.

Step 2

Mixing Batter:

In a bowl, combine eggs, grated carrot, vegetable oil, sugar, and orange zest using a mixer.

Sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon) and mix them into the wet ingredients.

Add the chopped nuts and stir well.

Step 3

Baking:

Pour the batter into a baking tin.

Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) without convection, for about 40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Let the cake cool in the tin for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the tin to cool completely.

Step 4

Frosting:

Combine chilled cream cheese and heavy cream with powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Garnish with nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Servings

The best part of any cake is **sharing it with loved ones**! This carrot cake is no different and offers a multitude of serving possibilities 🍰.

Consider slicing it into generous pieces and serving it with a **dollop of whipped cream on the side** for added richness. If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, a few **fresh berries** tucked beside each slice can add a burst of freshness to each bite.

If you're hosting a more formal gathering, plating each slice with a **drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce** not only enhances the taste but also adds a touch of elegance. Placing a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** next to the cake will turn it into a luxurious dessert experience.

For a cozy tea time, nothing pairs better with this carrot cake than a warm cup of coffee or tea. Its spiced undertones and creamy frosting make every sip and bite feel like a warm hug. ☕✨

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Make sure it's large enough to hold all the batter without spilling.

We recommend:

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REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

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Electric Mixer

Though you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes the job faster and yields a smoother batter.

We recommend:

Prime best seller

4.8

(9,786) KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black $279.99 $329.99 View details

Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria

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(9,824) Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Silver $95.99 $119.99 View details

Baking Tin

Use a non-stick tin or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

We recommend:

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(4,906) USA Pan Bakeware Muffin Pan, 12-Well, Aluminized Steel $29.99 $31.99 View details

Grater

A fine grater works best for the carrot to blend seamlessly into the batter.

We recommend:

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Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Grater for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

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KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black

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(12,169) KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black $18.99 $24.99 View details

Cooling Rack

Allows the cake to cool evenly from all sides.

We recommend:

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KITCHENATICS 4-Tier Stackable Cooling Racks for Baking, 100% Stainless Steel Wire Rack, Oven Safe Baking Rack, Oven Rack for Pizza, Cake, Bread, Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking, Cookie Rack 15x10

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Ultra Cuisine Heavy Duty Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking - 100% Stainless Steel Baking Rack & Wire Cooling Rack - Cookie Cooling Racks for Baking - Food Safe - Fits Half Sheet Pans - 11.5" x 16.5"

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(14,959) Ultra Cuisine Heavy Duty Cooling Rack for Cooking and Baking - 100% Stainless Steel Baking Rack & Wire Cooling Rack - Cookie Cooling Racks for Baking - Food Safe - Fits Half Sheet Pans - 11.5" x 16.5" $21.99 $34.99 View details Prime

Spring Chef Cooling Rack & Baking Rack - 100% Stainless Steel Cookie Cooling Racks, Wire Rack for Baking, Oven Safe 10 x 15 Inches Fits Jelly Roll Pan - Cooling Racks for Cooking and Baking, Set of 2

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Variations

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a **1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend**. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the cake completely safe for gluten intolerances. 🥕💚

Vegan: Replace the eggs with **flax eggs** (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for a few minutes). Use a **vegan cream cheese** and **coconut cream** for the frosting. The vegetable oil in the recipe is already vegan-friendly! 🌱🎂

Faq

What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Both walnuts and pecans work wonderfully. They add a satisfying crunch and a rich flavor that complements the carrot and spices.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture. Pre-shredded carrots can be too dry.
How can I make the cake more flavorful?
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or some grated ginger for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just whip it briefly before spreading it on the cake.
How can I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?
Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking.
What other frosting flavors can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors such as lemon cream cheese, vanilla buttercream, or even a light orange glaze.