Name: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar; 3 eggs; 250 ml unflavoured oil; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 1 tsp salt; ¼ cup milk (60 ml); 2 cups plain flour (300g); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp mixed spice; 350g grated carrot (around 3 carrots); 1 x 225g can crushed pineapple (juice drained and discarded); 60g butter (softened); 200g cream cheese (softened); 1 tsp vanilla essence; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 cups icing sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert that truly warms the heart and delights the senses, this Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. With its moist texture rich from grated carrots and crushed pineapple, combined with the fragrant blend of spices and that irresistibly smooth cream cheese icing, this cake has become a beloved classic in my kitchen. Every bite is packed with warmth, sweetness, and a little zing from the lemon zest in the frosting, making it a showstopper for any gathering or a comforting treat on a quiet afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick slice of carrot cake sits on a white plate with blue rings near the edge, showing one thick bottom layer of moist, brown cake with visible small carrot bits and a smooth, thick layer of creamy white frosting on top. In the background, a white plate holds the remaining round cake with one slice missing, revealing the same single cake layer and thick frosting layer, with faint lines drawn into the frosting. The scene is set on a wooden table with a folded blue checkered cloth nearby, a stack of white plates with blue rings, and forks scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: from the aromatic spices creating depth, to the carrots and pineapple providing natural moisture and sweetness, and finishing with a luscious cream cheese icing that ties it all together. Gather these essentials to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the cake’s moistness.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake.
Unflavored oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist without overpowering the flavors.
Vanilla essence: Brings a subtle, sweet aroma that elevates the overall taste.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
Milk: Adds slight creaminess to the batter for better texture.
Plain flour: Forms the cake’s body, providing structure and lightness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to help the cake rise beautifully.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice: Create a warm, comforting spice profile that defines this cake.
Grated carrot: The star ingredient that adds moisture, texture, and natural sweetness.
Crushed pineapple: Packs extra juiciness and a fresh tang to balance the sweet spices.
Butter: The base for the cream cheese icing, giving richness and softness.
Cream cheese: The hero of the icing, offering a tangy, creamy finish.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh brightness to the frosting.
Icing sugar: Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese icing to perfection.

How to Make Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C with fanbake to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and eggs until silky smooth. Then, pour in the oil, vanilla essence, salt, and milk, mixing everything until it melds perfectly. This forms your moist and flavorful base that will carry all the spices and textures beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, and the warming spices including ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice. Sifting not only blends these elements but also keeps your batter light and free of lumps, which means your cake will turn out delightfully tender.

Step 3: Fold in Carrots and Pineapple

Drain the canned pineapple thoroughly and toss it along with the freshly grated carrots into the wet mixture. These juicy and fibrous ingredients add wonderful moisture and natural sweetness that keep every slice bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the prepared batter into a cake tin lined with baking paper to prevent sticking. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer or knife inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a moist but fully cooked crumb. Let it cool briefly in the tin before transferring to a rack.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cake cools, it’s time to create the luscious cream cheese icing. Beat softened butter until smooth, then add the cream cheese, vanilla essence, and fresh lemon zest. Whisk these together until completely combined and fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar in two parts, blending thoroughly after each addition until you achieve a creamy, light, and smooth frosting.

Step 6: Ice and Chill Your Cake

Once your cake has fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing all over the top. For the best texture and ease of slicing, chill the iced cake in the fridge for a while to let the icing firm up slightly. Then you’re ready to serve a scrumptious slice of heaven!

How to Serve Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A round cake with one slice missing sits on a white plate placed on a wooden surface. The cake has two visible layers: a moist brown cake base and a thick layer of smooth, light cream-colored frosting with textured swirls on top. Nearby, one slice of the cake is served on a smaller white plate with two blue rings near the edge, with a silver fork resting on it. There are also three silver forks grouped together on the wooden table next to the plate with the slice. A blue, white, and green checkered cloth lies folded on the wooden surface to the left of the cake plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your carrot cake presentation, consider simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh edible flowers can also add a charming touch. These details provide textural contrast and visual appeal that make any occasion extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the spice and cream cheese frosting. For a beverage, a strong cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea brings out the sweet, spicy notes beautifully, making the experience all the more comforting and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the batter into cupcakes and ice each one with the cream cheese frosting for individual portions that are perfect for parties. Alternatively, layer the cake with cream cheese icing as a trifle dessert, mixing in toasted coconut or raisins. The versatility of this Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe makes it easy to tailor to any setting or craving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the cake moist and the cream cheese icing fresh, allowing you to savor your creation for up to four days without drying out or losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake either before or after icing. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When wrapped properly, it can last up to three months frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain its delicious texture and taste.

Reheating

While carrot cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a warm slice, gently heat individual servings in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire cake to preserve the integrity and taste of the cream cheese icing.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts or pecans in this carrot cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or as a topping adds a wonderful crunch and complements the spices beautifully. Just fold them in with the grated carrot for the best distribution.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cake’s texture moist and tender.

Can the cream cheese icing be made dairy-free?

Certainly. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan butter to recreate this icing with a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, perfect for those who avoid dairy.

How long does the cream cheese icing stay fresh?

The cream cheese icing tastes best when fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

What’s the best way to grate carrots for this recipe?

Use a medium or fine grater for the carrots to ensure they blend smoothly into the batter, providing moisture without large chunks, which keeps the texture uniform and tender.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this wonderful Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you’ll dive into baking it soon. It brings together simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece that’s perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. There’s nothing quite like slicing into that tender, spiced cake topped with velvety icing to brighten your day and delight your loved ones. Happy baking!