If you’re craving a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and truly comforting, then Moist Carrot Cake is exactly what you need! This cake is not just any carrot cake; it’s an irresistible dessert made with fresh, grated carrots, sweetened pineapple, and a mix of warm spices that give it the most incredible depth of flavor. Topped with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of the show. Bonus? It’s easier to make than you might think and a surefire crowd-pleaser!
About The Recipe
Carrot cake has been a staple in my baking repertoire for years, but this particular version stands out because of how moist and flavorful it is. When I decided to create this recipe, I wanted to develop a cake that was soft and light, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, without being overly rich.
I experimented a lot with ingredients like grated carrots, pineapple, and the perfect balance of warm spices. I was determined to make the cake flavorful without being too sweet or too dense. The result? A light and fluffy carrot cake with a delicate crumb, and a perfect contrast between the spiced cake and the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Trust me, you’re going to want a second slice!
This moist carrot cake is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the best part? It gets even better the next day! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, an afternoon tea, or just whenever you’re craving a sweet and cozy dessert.
Reasons You Will Love This Carrot Cake
- Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to the combination of grated carrots, pineapple, and yogurt, this cake is incredibly moist without being dense.
- Deliciously Spiced – The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – The tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance to the rich cake, making it the ultimate dessert.
- Easy to Make – No fancy equipment is needed, and the steps are simple, so you can whip this cake up without a hassle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this cake is versatile and will impress any crowd.
If you’re craving a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and truly comforting, then Moist Carrot Cake is exactly what you need! This cake is not just any carrot cake; it’s an irresistible dessert made with fresh, grated carrots, sweetened pineapple, and a mix of warm spices that give it the most incredible depth of flavor. Topped with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of the show. Bonus? It’s easier to make than you might think and a surefire crowd-pleaser!
About The Recipe
Carrot cake has been a staple in my baking repertoire for years, but this particular version stands out because of how moist and flavorful it is. When I decided to create this recipe, I wanted to develop a cake that was soft and light, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, without being overly rich.
I experimented a lot with ingredients like grated carrots, pineapple, and the perfect balance of warm spices. I was determined to make the cake flavorful without being too sweet or too dense. The result? A light and fluffy carrot cake with a delicate crumb, and a perfect contrast between the spiced cake and the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Trust me, you’re going to want a second slice!
This moist carrot cake is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the best part? It gets even better the next day! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, an afternoon tea, or just whenever you’re craving a sweet and cozy dessert.
Reasons You Will Love This Carrot Cake
- Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to the combination of grated carrots, pineapple, and yogurt, this cake is incredibly moist without being dense.
- Deliciously Spiced – The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Cream Cheese Frosting – The tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance to the rich cake, making it the ultimate dessert.
- Easy to Make – No fancy equipment is needed, and the steps are simple, so you can whip this cake up without a hassle.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this cake is versatile and will impress any crowd.
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 2 cups (225 g) finely grated carrots (about 3 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 cup (190 g) canned pineapple (blended, remove the liquid from the can before blending. Use canned pineapple in juice, not syrup.)
- 2¼ cups (290 g) plain all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1¾ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups (300 g) soft brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (200 g) vegetable oil (unflavored, such as canola oil)
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (110 g) unsweetened yogurt (regular, not Greek, at room temperature)
- 1 cup (100 g) coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix of both)
Description:
- Carrots – Freshly grated carrots are essential for this cake to get that signature texture and flavor.
- Pineapple – Blended canned pineapple adds moisture and sweetness, making the cake extra tender.
- Spices – The mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives this cake a wonderfully aromatic and warming flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Soft brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil – The oil keeps the cake moist and tender, giving it a light texture.
How To Make The Perfect Moist Carrot Cake
Instructions – For the Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) if you’re using a fan oven (or 180°C/350°F for a standard oven). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper or your preferred cake release method.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots and Pineapple
Peel and finely grate your carrots. You’ll need about 2 cups of grated carrots, which usually comes from 3 medium-sized carrots. Set the grated carrots aside. For the pineapple, blend the canned pineapple (be sure to remove the liquid before blending). You’ll need about 1 cup of crushed pineapple for this recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Use a whisk to mix everything well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soft brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Add the crushed pineapple and mix until everything is combined and smooth. Whisk for an additional minute to help incorporate some air into the batter.
Step 5: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gently add half of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and use a spatula to fold them together. Once incorporated, add the remaining dry ingredients and continue folding. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add the Carrots and Nuts
Now, fold in the grated carrots and the chopped pecans and/or walnuts. You want them just combined, so don’t overdo it here.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Give the pans a light tap on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make The Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 1 batch of your favorite cream cheese buttercream frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Frosting
For the cream cheese frosting, you can use my cream cheese buttercream frosting recipe, which I find is the best complement to the moist carrot cake. The frosting should be smooth, thick, and creamy with a slight tang from the cream cheese. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before beginning.
Step 2: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to frost. Spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting between the two cake layers. Then, generously frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a smooth and even finish, you can use a bench scraper or an offset spatula to give the frosting a professional touch.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
For a decorative touch, you can garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans or walnuts around the base or on top. You can even sprinkle some extra grated carrots on top for a fun and colorful look. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of flavor.
Let the cake sit at room temperature for a bit before serving to let the frosting set and soften slightly.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have any leftover carrot cake, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. This cake also freezes wonderfully! Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw completely before serving.
And that’s it! You now have a Moist Carrot Cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting that’s sure to be a crowd favorite! Enjoy!
