Traditional Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is a rich, moist dessert made by mixing grated carrots into a spiced batter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tropical twist from pineapple and rum-soaked raisins.

This cake tastes incredibly delicious, with every bite bursting with warm island flavors. Jamaican Carrot Cake is often made in Caribbean homes, especially during holidays or family gatherings.

I usually feel inspired to make this cake in the evening, especially when craving something comforting. Now I will explain to make Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe using simple ingredients, some time, and care to create something truly special from Jamaican tradition.

Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

This Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful twist on traditional carrot cake, deeply rooted in Caribbean flavors. It blends freshly grated carrots with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sweetened with brown sugar, and enriched by crushed pineapple and rum-soaked raisins.

The result is a dense yet fluffy cake with bursts of natural sweetness and texture. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it brings balance and richness to every bite.

The added depth from the rum and tropical ingredients makes this Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe uniquely Jamaican, perfect for celebrations or a satisfying dessert after a hearty meal.

How To Prepare Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe?

Let’s make this Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe together, step by step! I’ve broken down the recipe clearly and added helpful tips to guide you. I’ll mention the kitchen tools I use some are optional but make the process smoother.

Even if you don’t have all the tools, don’t stress you can still bake a delicious, authentic Jamaican Carrot Cake with what’s available.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Jamaican / Caribbean

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Grater
• Sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9-inch cake pan
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For The Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup raisins (preferably soaked in dark Jamaican rum overnight)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp rum (optional)

How To Make Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fold in Add-ins

Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, rum-soaked raisins, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix gently until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and rum (if using).

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread frosting evenly on top (and sides if desired). Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra Jamaican touch.

Nutrition Facts Of Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	420
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	220mg
Carbohydrates	53g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	34g
Protein	4g

Why My Recipe Works

This Jamaican Carrot Cake recipe works because each ingredient is chosen for balance and purpose. The oil keeps the cake soft and moist without being greasy. Grated carrots add natural sweetness and texture.

Crushed pineapple brings subtle acidity and extra moisture. Rum-soaked raisins offer a bold, rich flavor that deepens as the cake bakes. The warm spices cinnamon and nutmeg blend perfectly with the tropical ingredients.

The sugar mix (white and brown) gives structure and a hint of caramel depth. Finally, the cream cheese frosting adds smoothness and tang, tying everything together into a rich, flavorful Caribbean dessert.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this Jamaican Carrot Cake recipe for its bold Caribbean flavor and comforting texture. The blend of spices with pineapple and rum-soaked raisins creates a rich, unique taste that stands out.

It has the right balance of sweetness and warmth, with grated carrots adding moisture and body. The cake stays soft and flavorful for days, making it great for sharing or saving.

Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, it offers a satisfying contrast to the spiced cake. This recipe reflects the heart of Jamaican home baking flavorful, soulful, and always worth making again.

How To Decorate And Serve

Once the Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe has cooled completely, spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, and sides if desired. For a classic finish, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans around the edges.

You can also lightly dust the top with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and color. If serving for a special occasion, garnish with thin strips of candied carrot or a few raisins soaked in rum.

Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. Pair with a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee or spiced tea for a true island-style treat.

Health Benefits Of Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe offers more than just great taste it includes some nutritious ingredients too. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and immune function. Pineapple adds vitamin C and aids digestion with its natural enzymes.

Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, helping with heart health and satiety. Using spices like cinnamon and nutmeg may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation.

While the cake is sweet and indulgent, the combination of these wholesome ingredients means it delivers some nutrients alongside the delicious flavor, making it a slightly better choice compared to many other desserts.

Top Baking Tips

1. Use dark Jamaican rum and soak the raisins at least overnight. This boosts flavor and adds a soft, rich texture that blends perfectly with the spices.

2. Always grate carrots by hand or with a food processor just before baking. Pre-grated ones can be too dry and won’t give the same moisture.

3. Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and chewy instead of tender and fluffy.

4. Crushed pineapple should be drained well to avoid a soggy cake. Too much liquid throws off the balance of the batter.

5. Let eggs and cream cheese come to room temperature before using. This helps with smooth mixing and even baking.

6. Lining your cake pan makes it easier to remove the cake without breaking it, especially when it’s still warm and fragile.

Additions

➢ Adding chopped nuts introduces a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the moist cake, enhancing the overall eating experience.

➢ Swap or mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart, fruity pop that balances the sweetness of the carrots and pineapple.

➢ A pinch of ground cloves can deepen the spice profile, adding a warm, slightly smoky flavor that works beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg.

➢ Drizzling a brown sugar glaze over the frosting adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

➢ Sprinkling toasted coconut flakes on top of the frosting gives a nutty crunch and enhances the tropical vibe of the cake.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, I let the Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

I keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I slice the cake, wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag.

When I want a slice, I just thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about an hour before serving. The flavor stays rich, and the texture holds up beautifully.

FAQs About Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This delicious Jamaican Carrot Cake recipe is perfect for everyone who loves rich, flavorful desserts. I made it myself and truly enjoyed every bite after baking.

The process was simple and enjoyable, making it a great choice whether for special occasions or just a tasty treat. I’m happy to share this easy-to-follow recipe so others can experience the wonderful taste and unique Caribbean twist.

I hope you try Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe and enjoy the warmth and sweetness it brings to your table just as much as I did.

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