If you’re searching for the ultimate carrot cake, this is it. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, this cake is a true classic — the kind of dessert that turns ordinary moments into something special.
What makes this recipe stand out is the delicate texture of freshly grated carrots. Using a hand grater instead of pre-shredded carrots ensures they melt right into the batter, keeping every bite tender and moist. Combined with crushed pineapple, raisins, and chopped walnuts, it’s a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch.
🧾 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this heavenly homemade carrot cake:
- 6 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
In a medium bowl, combine the grated carrots and brown sugar. Let them sit for about 60 minutes, allowing the carrots to release their natural moisture and sweetness. After an hour, stir in the raisins.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans (or line with parchment paper for easy removal).
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the white sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Stir in the crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the flour is absorbed — don’t overmix!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gently fold in the carrot mixture (with raisins) and chopped walnuts. The batter will be thick and fragrant.
Divide evenly between your prepared pans.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once fully cooled, frost your cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Decorate with extra chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or a dusting of cinnamon if you’d like.
Slice, serve, and enjoy the irresistible layers of moist, spiced perfection! 🥕✨
💡 Tips for the Best Carrot Cake
- Use a hand grater for the carrots — it gives a finer texture and helps them blend beautifully into the batter.
- Don’t skip the pineapple — it adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them for deeper flavor.
- Chill before serving — this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This carrot cake is:
✅ Moist and tender without being heavy
✅ Packed with warm cinnamon and real carrot flavor
✅ Easy to make — no mixer required!
✅ Perfect for birthdays, Easter, or cozy Sunday afternoons
🍰 Final Thoughts
This Best Homemade Carrot Cake is pure comfort in dessert form — every bite is moist, rich, and perfectly spiced. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or just because, this is one of those recipes that will quickly become a family favorite.
Serve it with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of love — and watch it disappear! 💛
