This Homemade Carrot Cake is moist, warmly spiced, and filled with finely grated carrots, raisins, and crunchy pecans. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it is the kind of classic dessert that feels perfect for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, or a simple weekend treat.
The carrots keep the cake soft and tender, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice add cozy flavor. The cream cheese topping brings just the right amount of richness and tang to balance the sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake
This carrot cake is soft, flavorful, and easy to make. The olive oil and yogurt help create a moist crumb, while the pecans and raisins add texture in every bite.
It is sweet, spiced, creamy, and comforting — everything a good carrot cake should be.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10 to 12 slices
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup pecan nuts, chopped
- 250ml brown sugar
- 15ml ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon mixed spice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 180ml olive oil
- 125ml plain yogurt or sour milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Topping
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 180ml icing sugar
- 30ml fresh cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease your baking pan and set it aside. You can use a round cake pan, square pan, or loaf-style pan depending on the shape you prefer.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and olive oil.
Beat in the yogurt until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Fold in the finely grated carrots, raisins, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before adding the cream cheese topping.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the icing sugar and beat until thick and fully combined.
Pour in the fresh cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat again until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Helpful Tips
Use finely grated carrots for the best texture. Large carrot shreds may not soften as well during baking.
Do not squeeze the moisture out of the carrots. Their natural moisture helps keep the cake soft.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, or the cream cheese topping may melt.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before folding them into the batter.
Optional Add-Ins
You can add shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or a little orange zest for extra flavor.
If you prefer a simpler cake, you can leave out the raisins or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this carrot cake chilled or at room temperature.
It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. For a special presentation, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.
Storage
Store the frosted carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Let slices sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Unfrosted cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, rich, and full of warm spice. With tender carrots, sweet raisins, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting, every slice is comforting and delicious.
It is a beautiful classic cake that is easy enough for everyday baking but special enough for celebrations.
