This spice carrot cake recipe is a classic treat that combines a rich blend of spices, sweet carrots, and a touch of coconut for added flavor and texture.
Carrot cake, with its warm spices and moist texture, is a timeless favorite that has graced many dessert tables over the years.
This spice carrot cake recipe elevates the traditional dessert with a perfect blend of aromatic spices and fresh, grated carrots, resulting in a cake that is both flavorful and comforting.
Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting and garnished with crushed pecans and toasted coconut, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or as a delicious everyday indulgence.
Follow this recipe for a moist, flavorful carrot cake that’s sure to impress.
How To Prepare Spice Carrot Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450 Per Serving
Yield: 5 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (x2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- A pinch of ground allspice
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of ground cloves
- ¾ cup grated carrots
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut, sweetened
- 3 oz carrot puree (baby food)
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 5 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ – 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp butter, at room temperature
- Salt to taste
For the Topping:
- Crushed pecans (optional)
- Toasted coconut (optional)
How to Make Spice Carrot Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, carrot puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and shredded coconut.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach your desired consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix well.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
Step 8: Add Toppings
If desired, sprinkle crushed pecans and toasted coconut over the frosted cake for an extra crunch and flavor.
Special Note
1. To elevate this spice carrot cake, I like to frost it with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It complements the warm spices perfectly and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Simply mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of softened butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, then spread over your cooled cake.
Serving Ideas For Spice Carrot Cake Recipe
1. Classic Slice with a Hot Beverage: Serve a generous slice of spice carrot cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage enhances the spicy notes of the cake, making it a comforting treat, especially on a chilly day.
2. Carrot Cake Parfait: Layer cubes of spice carrot cake in a glass with dollops of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crushed pecans. Repeat the layers for a visually appealing and delicious parfait that’s perfect for a fancy dessert.
3. Warm with Ice Cream: Warm a slice of carrot cake in the microwave for a few seconds, then top it with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
4. Mini Cake Bites: Cut the carrot cake into small, bite-sized pieces and insert toothpicks for easy serving. These mini cake bites are perfect for parties, allowing guests to enjoy a small, delicious treat without committing to a full slice.
5. Frosted Sandwich Cookies: Slice the carrot cake into thin layers, then use a cookie cutter to create round pieces. Sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two rounds to create a delightful carrot cake sandwich cookie. These are perfect for a grab-and-go dessert option.
How To Store Spice Carrot Cake Recipe
To store your spice carrot cake recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
You can leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a homemade spice carrot cake recipe. This recipe brings together the best of warm spices, sweet carrots, and moist cake, creating a dessert that is sure to impress.
Enjoy the process of baking, and let the warm, inviting aroma of this spice carrot cake fill your kitchen.
Each slice brings a sense of homemade comfort and joy, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table or a sweet way to end a meal.
Happy baking, and may this cake bring as much pleasure to your table as it has to countless others!
More Delicious Carrot Cake Recipes
Carrot Eggless Cake Recipe – Delicious Treat
6-Inch Carrot Cake Recipe (Mini Cake)
Simple Carrot Cake Recipe With Butter
Southern Carrot Cake Recipe || Bakery
Mary Berry Recipe For Carrot Cake || A Timeless Delight
Spice Carrot Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (x2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- A pinch of ground allspice
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of ground cloves
- ¾ cup grated carrots
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut sweetened
- 3 oz carrot puree baby food
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 5 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ – 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp butter at room temperature
- Salt to taste
For the Topping:
- Crushed pecans optional
- Toasted coconut optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, carrot puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and shredded coconut.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach your desired consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix well.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
Step 8: Add Toppings
- If desired, sprinkle crushed pecans and toasted coconut over the frosted cake for an extra crunch and flavor.