Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is a moist, spiced dessert infused with island flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, and sometimes allspice. Often made with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and coconut, it delivers rich texture and tropical sweetness. Finished with cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a Caribbean twist on the classic, combining warmth, moisture, and bold, comforting flavor.
½cupraisinspreferably soaked in dark Jamaican rum overnight
½cupchopped walnuts or pecansoptional
For Cream Cheese Frosting
8oz225g cream cheese, softened
¼cupunsalted buttersoftened
2cupspowdered sugar
1tspvanilla extract
1–2 tbsp rumoptional
Instructions
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.