Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe – Perfectly Spiced

The Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe from My Baking Addiction is rich, moist, and packed with fresh carrots, grated apple, pecans, and coconut.

I’ve made this Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe myself and was inspired after watching it featured in a baking video that highlighted its deep flavor and soft texture.

What makes this Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe stand out is the balance of warm spices and the creamy brown butter frosting that melts into each layer.

I followed every step carefully and was impressed by how each ingredient came together. Now, I will walk you through the step-by-step process to recreate this Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe.

Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe delivers a rich, moist texture with layers of deep, comforting flavor. Every bite blends the natural sweetness of carrots and apple with the warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch, while shredded coconut gives it a hint of chewiness. The brown butter cream cheese frosting adds a nutty, tangy richness that perfectly complements the cake.

This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe tastes homemade, balanced, and truly indulgent from the first forkful to the last.

How To Prepare Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe?

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: American

Yield: 14 slices

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Grater (for carrots and apple)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Two 9-inch round pans
• Saucepan (for browning butter)
• Cooling rack
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ cup canola oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup peeled and grated Granny Smith apple
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) block full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (8-ounce) mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter (preferably Plugra or Kerrygold)
• 6 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla paste or vanilla extract

How To Make Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get two 9-inch round cake pans ready—either grease and flour them or line them with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and table salt. Give everything a good whisk so it’s evenly mixed, then set it aside for now.

3. In a separate bowl, add the softened butter along with both the brown and white sugars. Use a mixer to beat them together until the mixture looks fluffy and pale—that usually takes a few minutes.

4. Next, add the eggs. Do this one at a time, beating well after each one so everything blends smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract once all the eggs are mixed in. Now, pour in the canola oil and buttermilk, and mix until the batter looks uniform and creamy.

5. Take the bowl with the dry ingredients you set aside earlier, and slowly add them to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined don’t overmix it.

6. Now it’s time to fold in the good stuff. Add the grated carrots, grated apple (Granny Smith is best here), chopped pecans, and sweetened shredded coconut. Stir them in evenly. Finally, pour in the melted butter and give it one last gentle mix.

7. Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Smooth the tops out a bit, then place them in the oven. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Once the cakes are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pans for around 10 to 15 minutes. After that, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. Start by browning the butter—put it in a saucepan over medium heat and cook it until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty smell, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes.

10. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and that browned butter until it’s all smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing as you go until the frosting is creamy. Add the kosher salt and vanilla (paste or extract), and mix until everything is well combined.

11. To put the cake together, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Gently set the second cake layer over it, then frost the top and sides until everything’s evenly covered. If you want, sprinkle on some extra chopped pecans or a little shredded coconut as a finishing touch.

Notes: Using freshly grated carrots and apple adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cake. Brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the spices in the cake.

The cake can be made a day ahead; store it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with appropriate alternatives.

Nutrition Facts Of Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	450
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	50g
Sugar	35g
Protein	5g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	320mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe brings a rich, moist texture filled with freshly grated carrots, tart apple, chopped pecans, and sweet coconut.

The warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a deep, comforting flavor in every bite. Each layer is topped with a smooth, nutty brown butter cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully into the cake.

Every element balances sweetness, spice, and texture in a way that feels homemade and thoughtful. This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe delivers consistent results and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

Why My Recipe Works

This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe works because it uses fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors and textures in the cake.

The grated carrots and apple keep the cake moist and naturally sweet, while the pecans and shredded coconut add a pleasant crunch.

The careful mixing process prevents the batter from becoming dense, resulting in a light and tender crumb. The brown butter cream cheese frosting adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Every step is designed to create a perfectly balanced, flavorful carrot cake every time.

Serving Suggestions For Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

Serve slices slightly chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and creamy texture of the frosting. Pair the cake with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices.

For a special touch, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. This cake also pairs well with fresh fruit on the side, such as sliced oranges or berries, to add a refreshing contrast. Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.

Health Benefits Of Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe includes real grated carrots and apple, which add vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness. Carrots provide beta-carotene, supporting eye health and immunity.

The apples contribute antioxidants and extra fiber, aiding digestion. Adding chopped pecans offers healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium.

While still a dessert, this Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe includes whole-food ingredients that add nutritional value beyond typical cakes.

Using buttermilk adds calcium and probiotics, which support bone health and digestion. Overall, this cake balances indulgence with some wholesome ingredients that bring mild health benefits.

Tips And Variations

✔ Grate carrots and apple finely to help them blend seamlessly into the batter, creating a smooth, moist texture without large chunks.

✔ Toast the pecans before adding to the batter or as a topping; this enhances their natural flavor and adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.

✔ Add crushed pineapple or raisins for extra moisture and sweetness. The pineapple adds a subtle tropical note, while raisins bring a chewy texture and natural sugar boost.

✔ Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred. Walnuts offer a slightly different flavor but still provide the crunchy texture and healthy fats that complement the cake well.

✔ Use Greek yogurt in the frosting to replace some of the cream cheese. This lightens the frosting’s texture and adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness and richness without losing creaminess.

Additions And Substitutions

Additions:

• Shredded coconut adds subtle sweetness and chewy texture.
• Chopped pineapple brings extra moisture and a hint of tropical flavor.
• Raisins or dried cranberries add bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness.
• Orange zest can brighten the flavor with a fresh citrus note.

Substitutions:

• Use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different nutty taste.
• Swap canola oil for melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
• Replace buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of milk or lemon juice.
• Use all brown sugar instead of mixing white and brown for a deeper molasses flavor.

How To Store The Finished Cake

After the Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe is fully cooled and frosted, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container.

Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent spoilage. The cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 to 5 days this way.

If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

FAQs For The Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe

Conclusion

The Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe combines fresh ingredients, warm spices, and a rich brown butter frosting to create a truly memorable dessert.

Its balance of flavors and textures makes every bite satisfying, whether for a special occasion or a simple treat. Following the steps carefully ensures a moist, tender cake that delights both in taste and appearance.

This Ultimate Carrot Cake Recipe brings the comfort of homemade baking together with thoughtful ingredients, making it a reliable choice to impress friends and family every time you bake it.

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