Old-Fashioned Amish Carrot Cake Recipe

Amish carrot cake recipe from My Baking Addiction brings back the rich, moist texture and deep flavor that makes it unforgettable.

This delicious cake has been baked in my kitchen more times than I can count, each time met with rave reviews. I’ve tried it both in traditional bakery style and added my own twist with extra spices and a touch more crushed pineapple for moisture.

This isn’t just a cake; it’s a memory. Today, I’m walking through the exact step-by-step process I follow to make this cherished Amish carrot cake.

Amish Carrot Cake Recipe

The Amish carrot cake recipe is a classic, old-fashioned dessert known for its incredibly moist texture and deep, comforting flavor.

Made with freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and earthiness.

The batter comes together easily with pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. What makes this Amish Carrot Cake Recipe truly stand out is its dense, tender crumb and the rich cream cheese frosting spread generously over the top.

Amish Carrot Cake Recipe humble, homemade cake that feels hearty, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.

How To Prepare Amish Carrot Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Amish / Traditional American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Grater (for carrots)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Cooling rack
• Sifter (optional, for powdered sugar)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (your choice)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness and texture)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Amish Carrot Cake Recipe

1. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch pan, or line it with parchment paper so cleanup is easy later.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.

3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and oil until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Now fold in the grated carrots, the drained crushed pineapple, and the chopped nuts. This gives the cake its classic flavor and texture.

5. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix the batter should be thick but spreadable.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding frosting.

7. For the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla and a small pinch of salt. Then, add powdered sugar a little at a time until the frosting becomes fluffy and easy to spread.

8. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts on top if you’d like a nice finish.

9. Slice, serve, and enjoy. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. For the best taste and texture, let it come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

This Amish Carrot Cake Recipe is moist, dense, and rich no need for extra oil or butter. The crushed pineapple keeps the cake super moist and adds subtle sweetness.

You can skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free cake. For an extra treat, add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.

Nutrition Facts Amish Carrot Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	470
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	330mg
Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	42g
Protein	5g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This Amish carrot cake recipe is a must-try because it delivers unbeatable moisture, rich flavor, and old-fashioned charm in every bite.

The combination of finely grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and warm spices creates a depth you won’t find in typical carrot cakes. The texture is soft and dense, yet tender, with just the right crunch from chopped nuts.

Topped with a thick, creamy layer of homemade cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that satisfies without being overly sweet. Whether baking for a gathering or just because, this cake never disappoints.

Why My Recipe Works

My Amish carrot cake recipe works because every ingredient serves a real purpose. The oil keeps the cake incredibly moist without being greasy. Finely grated carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, giving natural sweetness and structure.

Crushed pineapple adds just the right amount of tang and moisture without overpowering the flavor. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy, balanced depth.

The nuts give a light crunch for texture. The cream cheese frosting isn’t too sweet just smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. It’s a tested, reliable recipe that delivers consistent results every single time.

Health Benefits

It is important to remember that a traditional Amish Carrot Cake Recipe, while delicious and made with some nutrient-rich ingredients, is a rich dessert meant to be enjoyed in moderation.

The primary “health benefits” are related to the natural ingredients it contains, not the cake itself as a health food. 

◆ Carrots: The star of the show, carrots, are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for healthy vision, immune function, and skin. Carrots also provide fiber, Vitamin C, and B vitamins.

◆ Pecans or walnuts: The optional addition of nuts adds healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Walnuts are particularly noted for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit heart and brain health.

◆ Cinnamon: This spice contributes powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Some research also suggests it may help regulate blood sugar, though more studies are needed.

◆ Crushed pineapple: This tropical fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

My favorite ways to serve up this Amish Carrot Cake Recipe start with keeping it chilled in the fridge there’s something about the cool, dense texture that makes each bite even better.

I love slicing it into generous squares and topping each piece with a little extra chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the frosting when I want to dress it up for guests.

For casual days, I’ll enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. It also makes a great dessert after a simple dinner or a sweet treat for brunch.

Helpful Tips And Techniques For Making

1. Use a fine grater to shred the carrots. This helps them blend smoothly into the batter, ensuring the cake stays moist without large chunks.

2. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly. Excess liquid can make the batter too wet and affect the cake’s texture.

3. Combine all your dry ingredients in one bowl and your wet ingredients in another. Then fold them together gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender.

4. Start testing the cake around 40 minutes with a toothpick. Overbaking dries it out, so pull it from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

5. Wait until the cake is fully cooled before frosting. Cream cheese frosting can melt and slide off if the cake is still warm, so patience here gives the best results.

Additions For Make More Delicious

➤ Toasted Coconut: For a more tropical flavor profile, fold in ½ cup of toasted, shredded coconut along with the carrots and nuts. The toasted coconut provides a deeper, nuttier flavor and a pleasant chewiness.

➤ Golden Raisins: For little pockets of sweetness and a contrasting texture, add ½ cup of golden raisins to the batter. If you do not like their chewy texture, you can plump them first by soaking them in a splash of hot water, rum, or orange juice for about 15 minutes before draining and adding to the batter.

➤ Spices: Deepen the spice profile with the addition of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger. A blend of all three, in addition to the cinnamon, can create a more complex, warming spice cake. Some bakers even toast whole spices before grinding them to release more flavor.

➤ Brown Butter Frosting: For a richer, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before adding it to your cream cheese frosting. The caramelization of the milk solids in the butter will add a depth of flavor that complements the cake beautifully.

➤ Orange Zest: To brighten the cake’s flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. This enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the cake.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Amish Carrot Cake Recipe fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

Making this Amish Carrot Cake Recipe is easier than it seems, especially with simple tips and clear steps to guide you. Following these helpful ideas ensures your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve baked many cakes before, this Amish Carrot Cake Recipe straightforward method brings great results without stress.

I hope you give it a try soon, enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite of this classic homemade Amish Carrot Cake Recipe. Happy baking and enjoy!

More Carrot Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Copycat Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen

Carrot Cake With Applesauce – Moist And Flavorful

Easy Mary Berry Recipe Carrot Cake For Home Bakers

Publix Carrot Cake Recipe – Moist and Delicious

Simple Carrot Cake Recipe Without Frosting