• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Living The Gourmet logo

  • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Featured
    • Writings
  • Recipes
  • Wines
  • Interviews
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Classic Carrot Cake

Oct 15, 2020 · 25 Comments

Few things are better than a moist carrot cake swathed in a decadent, lusciously sweet cream cheese and butter frosting. This is one of my absolute favorite autumn seasonal desserts. Whether it’s the combination of carrots and nutmeg, or the warming combination of chocolate and cinnamon laced in vanilla, few desserts manage to ‘taste like the season’ quite like carrot cake.

Why You’ll Love Today’s Carrot Cake

1) Unrepentant Decadence. Today’s carrot cake cuts no corners, and makes no apologies for being a truly ‘decadent’ dessert, from the luscious frosting down to the moist interior. Today’s carrot cake will sate your sweet tooth and leave you feeling satisfied.

2) It keeps beautifully. If you make this on the weekend, you can enjoy it throughout the week. It keeps beautifully, remaining moist and delicious for days.

3) Only Basic Ingredients. Today we’re using no exotic or hard to find ingredients to bring today’s carrot cake together. Everything going into today’s recipe is ‘pantry friendly’ and available at your local grocery store.

4) The Ultimate Seasonal Dessert. As I mentioned above, few desserts taste quite like the autumn season like carrot cake, and few manage to do so with such levels of decadence.

Ingredient Notes and Tips

1) Ground Ginger as Opposed to Fresh. Fresher is better in most cases, but not all – and when it comes to baked goods, ground ginger is generally the way to go, and this is for two big reasons. First and foremost, fresh ginger is notoriously fibrous, and simply does ‘not’ break down under any amount of cooking. Thus, if you use fresh ginger in today’s recipe, you ‘will’ get stuck with ‘strands’ or ‘chunks’ of ginger speckled throughout the cake, and that’s really not at all palatable. Second off, taste. I love fresh ginger, but fresh ginger is quite ‘spicy’ whereas ground ginger is ‘warming’ and ‘pungent’ as opposed to spicy and sharp. This warmness melds beautifully with the overall flavor profile of the cake.

2) Nutmeg. The spice that ‘tastes like Christmas,’ nutmeg is beloved for its ‘warming’ and ever-so-slightly ‘sweet’ taste. However, in larger quantities nutmeg rapidly becomes sour or even astringent tasting, and since it’s quite strong this is one spice where ‘a little goes a long way.’ Useful in everything from baked goods to roasted potatoes, nutmeg also features prominently in various beef and pork spice mixes (in both dry rubs and marinades), as well as in stewed, grilled, and roasted vegetables, as well as in a variety of beverages both warm and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike, it’s safe to say that nutmeg is a blissfully versatile spice that’s worth learning how to use.

3) Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil? I’ve baked with both, but for around a year now I’ve been leaning towards cooking oil or vegetable oil for ‘most’ of my baking, as well as almost all of my frying. The rule of thumb is this – olive oil gives superior flavor and health benefits, but ‘only’ when cooking at lower temperatures of no more than around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or when barbecuing over ‘gentle’ flames. Use vegetable oil for pretty much everything else. The reason is that most olive oils have a relatively low ‘smoke point,’ which is the temperature at which the olive oil begins to burn away, giving your food a rancid taste and sapping the oil’s nutrients. Curiously, the lower the quality your olive oil, the ‘higher’ its smoke point. In fact, ‘Light’ olive oil actually has a higher smoke point than vegetable oil, while Extra Virgin Cold Pressed olive oil will start to burn away at merely a ‘low simmer.’

Craving More Decadent Desserts?

1) Pecan Tartlets. More or less mini pecan pies, these tartlets are a crowd pleaser like few others, and pairing perfectly at virtually any occasion, formal or casual.

2) Candied Pecan and Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls. Need a sweet bite for breakfast? These dark chocolate cinnamon rolls have got you covered. Dark chocolate, cinnamon, and flaky dough, what’s not to love?

3) Apple Crisp. A classic apple crisp recipe, this is a dessert that ever at home chef should have in their repertoire.

Living the Gourmet

Yields 1 layer cake

Serves 8 slices of cake

Classic Carrot Cake

15 minPrep Time

45 minCook Time

1 hrTotal Time

Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe

5 based on 15 review(s)

Recipe Image
My Recipes My Lists My Calendar

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup cooking oil
  • 3 cups shredded carrots – (about 3 – 5 medium sized carrots)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. ground ginger
  • ½ tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 - (8 oz.) can of crushed pineapple – drained
  • 1 cup raisins – chopped
  • ½ cup of chocolate chips
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz. block of cream cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tbs. heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 3 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

    For the Carrot Cake:
  1. Preheat Oven 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl sift together the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, baking powder and baking soda and mix.
  3. In a separate bowl combine the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, vanilla, eggs, cooking oil, chopped raisins, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips and brown sugar. Mix this mixture together with a fork until well combined.
  4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix together until well incorporated.
  5. Prepare two 8 ½ inch round pans and pour half of the batter into each pan.
  6. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool a bit before removing from the pans.
  8. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
  9. For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  10. In a bowl of the mix-master with whisk attachment or with a hand-held beater, whip cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and heavy cream, whip again until combined.
  11. Add the confectioner’s sugar and mix on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, gradually increasing the speed until the frosting is whipped and airy.
  12. When the cake is completely cooled frost.
  13. To store the cake, keep refrigerated.
7.8.1.2
1485
https://livingthegourmet.com/2020/10/classic-carrot-cake.html

If You Enjoyed Today’s Recipe…

Be sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with all things Living the Gourmet, and for more great recipes, tips and tricks.

Did you make this recipe?

If so, let me know in the comments down below, or post a picture to Instagram, or to Pinterest, and I’ll give you a shoutout on Instagram, or post your pin to one of my Pinterest boards!

More from my site

  • Quick and Zesty Black Bean Chili!!!Quick and Zesty Black Bean Chili!!!
  • Healthier General Tso’s ChickenHealthier General Tso’s Chicken
  • Brown Butter Brandy Apple Hand PiesBrown Butter Brandy Apple Hand Pies
  • Sweet Potato Streusel MuffinsSweet Potato Streusel Muffins
  • Fried Coconut Shrimp!!!Fried Coconut Shrimp!!!
  • Simple Lemon Chicken with Bread CrumbsSimple Lemon Chicken with Bread Crumbs
1

Cakes/Cupcakes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. angiesrecipes says

    15/10/2020 at 6:08 pm

    That looks incredibly delicious and so inviting!
    Reply
  2. DAVID J MYERS says

    16/10/2020 at 12:42 am

    Catherine, Carrot cake is probably my wife's favorite cake! If I was really lucky she might let me have a bite... Just a beautiful cake! Stay Safe and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/10/2020 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you Dave. This cake always seems to please everyone. I hope that Laurie likes this cake if she gives it a try. I hope that you are feeling better. Have a beautiful and safe weekend.
      Reply
  3. Scarlet says

    16/10/2020 at 5:04 pm

    I love carrot cake. It tastes so good and this classic recipe is perfect!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      16/10/2020 at 6:02 pm

      Thank you for your kind words. Have a beautiful weekend. xo
      Reply
  4. Jessica Formicola says

    19/10/2020 at 3:04 pm

    You just can't go wrong with a classic carrot cake, and this recipe is perfection! Thanks so much for sharing!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      22/10/2020 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Jessica. Have a beautiful day.
      Reply
  5. Tawnie says

    19/10/2020 at 3:09 pm

    This cake baked beautifully and was so flavorful, thank you for a keeper recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      22/10/2020 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you for letting me know that you enjoyed this recipe. I am very grateful that you tried my recipe and let me know. Have a beautiful day. xo
      Reply
  6. Aimee Mars says

    19/10/2020 at 4:05 pm

    I love a good classic recipe, especially when it comes to cake. Carrot cake is my Dad's favorite and since they're coming to visit for Halloween I think I'll make this for everyone.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      22/10/2020 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you Aimee, I hope that everyone enjoys this recipe if you give it a try. Have a wonderful day. xo
      Reply
  7. Jenn says

    19/10/2020 at 4:11 pm

    This is a delicious cake - it is easy, moist, and full of flavor. Your tips helped me make this stunning cake that everyone talked about!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      22/10/2020 at 6:19 pm

      Thank you for letting me know Jenn and for trying my recipe. It is so nice for you to let me know. Have a wonderful day. xo
      Reply
  8. Angela says

    19/10/2020 at 4:22 pm

    I love carrot cake. The addition of chocolate chips was a surprise but very tasty!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Catherine Pappas says

      22/10/2020 at 6:20 pm

      thank you Angela for letting me know that you tried my cake and enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day. xo
      Reply
  9. Anna says

    23/10/2020 at 4:44 pm

    Carrot cake is one of my favourite bakes! Your version looks utterly delicious, I just love that fluffy texture and creamy frosting! So tasty!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  10. Denise says

    24/10/2020 at 1:23 pm

    Carrot Cake is one of my favorites! Such a classic recipe and delicious results. Thank you for sharing.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  11. Marisa F. Stewart says

    24/10/2020 at 3:50 pm

    I love a good classic recipe and carrot cake is a classic as it gets. My neighbor has a birthday coming up and this is her favorite cake. I'm so excited to make it for her. There are plenty of spices in the cake that should please and the addition of the nuts and raisins are perfect. And of course every spice cake should be finished with a cream cheese topping. My mouth is watering just writing about it.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  12. Erin says

    25/10/2020 at 8:33 am

    "Unrepentant Decadence." Haha. Love it! I love that it doesn't call have any unusual ingredients. It looks absolutely amazing!
    Reply
  13. Paula Montenegro says

    25/10/2020 at 2:48 pm

    I totally agree about carrot cake being decadent and comfort food at the same time. This recipe looks incredibly tempting! And I strongly believe one can never have too many carrot cake recipes, so can't wait to try it.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  14. Chandice Probst says

    25/10/2020 at 6:22 pm

    I love this classic carrot cake! All the right flavors and delicious add ins for a perfect cake… Thank you!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  15. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says

    25/10/2020 at 11:00 pm

    If we have to choose a decadent Autumn cake, carrot cake is the choice! Yours has the right amount of spices, moistness, sweetness, and is truly luscious and delicious.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  16. Moop Brown says

    26/10/2020 at 1:48 am

    This cake looks super tasty and perfect for fall. Can't wait to try making it!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  17. kerri says

    26/10/2020 at 1:53 am

    my husband's birthday is this week and his favorite cake ever is carrot cake. i think i'm going to surprise him with this!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  18. Jo says

    26/10/2020 at 6:51 am

    Vintage recipe are gem! It never fails. I love carrot cake with or without cream cheese! Truly a delightful treat with tea on cold winter evening! That cake looks perfect!
    ★★★★★
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to LTG

The heart of our home lies within the kitchen. For us, it is so much more than a place where meals are created; it is where memories are made over meals that are meant to be shared. It was from this belief that Living the Gourmet was born. Read More...

Looking for Something?

Subscribe to the LTG Newsletter

Find Your Influence

Copyright © 2021 · Cravings Pro

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Living The Gourmet
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.