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    Home » Dessert Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Best Carrot Cake with Raisins and Walnuts

    Published: Jan 31, 2023 Last updated: Jan 31, 2023 by Shelby Law Ruttan · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This is the most amazing carrot cake! Moist and full or raisins and walnuts with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
    Featured Image for Best Carrot Cake
    Best Birthday Carrot Cake
    Pinnable Image for Best Carrot Cake

    With just a hint of cinnamon and plenty of grated carrots, with raisins, and walnuts, you will love this Best Carrot Cake recipe! This 3 layer cake is covered with sweet cream cheese frosting and is my favorite cake to make for special occasions.

    A slice of 3 layer carrot cake on a plate frosted with cream cheese icing.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🙋 Recipe FAQ's
    • 💭 Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This homemade carrot cake is one of the bests out there, below are some of my favorite things about this recipe:

    Rave reviews: anytime I make this carrot cake for a birthday, it gets rave reviews from my friends and family

    Feeds a crowd: this two layer cake has 16 generous servings making it the best carrot cake to make for parties, potlucks, baby showers, and birthdays.

    Just enough spice: cinnamon is the only spice in this carrot cake and it's all you really need

    Unbaked carrot cake batter in a round cake pan.

    🥘 Ingredients

    All purpose flour

    Granulated white sugar

    Cinnamon

    Baking soda

    Canola oil or vegetable oil: this is essential in giving this cake a moist crumb.

    Large eggs: eggs should be at room temperature before using.

    Pure vanilla extract: flavoring makes a big difference so be sure to buy a good quality vanilla extract.

    Fresh carrots: buy these whole and shred them yourself using a box shredder or food processor.

    Chopped Walnuts

    Dark Raisins

    Cream cheese

    Unsalted Butter

    Confectioners' sugar: also known as powdered sugar

    A 3 layer cake that has 1 slice removed.

    🔪 Instructions

    For the cake

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare (3) round 9-inch pans by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. 
    2. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. 
    3. In a separate bowl, using an electric hand mixer at medium-high speed, mix together the oil, eggs, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
    4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl down with a rubber spatula to incorporate all the ingredients.
    5. Stir in the shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins. 
    6. Distribute the cake batter evenly between the 3 baking pans. 
    7. Bake for 40 minutes, or until cake bounces back when lightly touched on the top or a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 
    8. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. 
    9. Turn the cake out of the cake pans onto a cooling rack allowing the cake to cool completely.

    For the frosting

    1. Mix cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl using a hand mixer at medium speed until smooth. 
    2. Add the vanilla extract and gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until creamy and completely combined. 
    3. Frost the cake layers, then frost the top of the cake and sides of the cake using just enough frosting to create a crumb coat.
    4. Spread remaining icing over the crumb coat, Decorate with chopped walnuts (if using).

    🙋 Recipe FAQ's

    Can you substitute butter for oil in carrot cake?

    While you can do this, you will not get the same results. The texture and moisture of the cake will change (it will be more dry and dense). Oil give a produces a moister cake with a lighter texture.

    Why did my carrot cake sink in the middle?

    It is likely the cake was underbaked.

    How do you know when a carrot cake is done baking?

    The age old toothpick test. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done. If it comes out with crumb, it needs to bake longer.

    What is a crumb coat?


    A crumb coat is a thin layer of icing spread on a cake layer to "glue" the crumbs to the cake sealing in moisture and providing a base for additional frosting.

    💭 Tips

    • Shred the carrots with the smallest holes of a box cheese grater or in a food processor with the shredding blade.
    • Bake the carrot cake in a 9x13 cake pan and extend the baking time to 45 minutes, or until it passes the bake test.
    • To reduce the amount of oil, replace ¾ cup of the oil with ¾ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
    Whole carrot cake on cake stand frosted with cream cheese frosting and decorated with chopped walnuts.

    📖 Variations

    • Swap the dark raisins for golden raisins or dried cranberries.
    • Leave out the raisins and stir in 1 cup of well drained crushed pineapple
    • Replace 1 cup of the granulated sugar with 1 cup of light or dark brown sugar.

    🍽 Equipment

    Electric hand mixer

    Mixing bowls

    Rubber scraper

    Wooden spoon

    Box grater: used to shred the carrots

    Parchment Paper: to line the cake pan

    9-inch round cake pans: you will need 3 of these

    Offset spatula: for spreading the icing on the cake.

    Serving Suggestions

    This this easy carrot cake recipe is delicious with scoop of ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or tea.

    Storage

    Cake should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and can be stored in a variety of ways:

    Room temperature: can be stored up to 3 days at room temp.

    Refrigerate: store in the fridge up to 5 days.

    Freeze: in a freezer safe container, cake can be stored up to 3 months.

    Best Carrot Cake on a cake plate with half of the cake cut into.

    Related Recipes

    I love these Sugar Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes!

    The classic Carrot Cupcakes topped with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Carrot Cake Energy Bites are healthy and delicious way to snack.

    Honey Glazed Carrots are a delicious side dish with a hint of honey and red pepper.

    Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

    When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

    If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

    📖 Recipe

    Featured Image for Best Carrot Cake

    Best Carrot Cake

    Shelby Law Ruttan
    This is the most amazing carrot cake! Moist and full or raisins and walnuts with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
    4.50 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 713 kcal

    Equipment

    • Electric hand mixer
    • mixing bowls
    • Rubber scraper
    • Wooden spoon
    • box grater
    • Parchment Paper

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients
      

    For the cake

    • 2 cups flour
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1½ cups olive oil
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 4 cups grated carrots
    • 1 cup chopped walnuts
    • 1 cup raisins

    For the frosting

    • 16 ounces ⅓ less fat cream cheese , softened
    • ½ cup salted butter
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 16 ounces confectioners' sugar
    • 1½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

    Instructions
     

    For the cake

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare (3) 9 inch round cake pans by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper. 
    • In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric hand mixer at medium-high speed, or KitchenAid with a paddle attachment, mix together the canola oil, eggs, and vanilla.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
    • Stir in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins. Distribute the cake batter evenly between the 3 baking pans. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 
    • Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn the cake out of the cake pans and return the cake to the wire rack, allowing it to cool completely.

    For the frosting

    • Mix cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl using a hand mixer at medium speed until smooth. 
    • Add the vanilla extract and gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until creamy and completely combined. 
    • Frost the cake layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with chopped walnuts (if using).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 713kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 9gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 442mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 3gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 5752IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword Best Carrot Cake
    Tried this recipe?Mention @grumpyshoneybunch or tag #grumpyshoneybunch!

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    About Shelby Law Ruttan

    Shelby is the author/owner of Grumpy's Honeybunch. Established in 2007, she shares and preserves family recipes as well as recipes for cooking light and keto. She has authored the One-Pot Paleo Cookbook and The Pescatarian Keto Cookbook. She is an experienced, self-taught home cook who loves to share recipes with others. She also authors the websites Honeybunch Hunts and The Best Vegetarian Recipes. You can see her work on websites such as Veal Made Easy, Parade, Community Table, SoFab Food, Yummly, and FoodGawker.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads

      February 04, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      This looks like a perfect carrot cake!! Just delicious!!

      Reply
    2. Yvonne [Tried and Tasty]

      February 04, 2015 at 5:10 am

      Wow, that looks so moist & delicious!

      Reply
    3. Sara Glover

      February 03, 2015 at 9:50 pm

      Oh this sounds so good! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Christie Daruwalla

      February 03, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      Oh no! What a shame. So glad it all worked out in the end. I am sure this cake was a great way to end the night.

      Reply
    5. Stephanie Daigneault

      September 03, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      Thank you SO much for posting this! My dad made the best carrot cake and when he passed 10 years ago we could not find it written anywhere. This looks very, very similar. It was really THE BEST!

      Reply
    6. anyonita green

      June 02, 2014 at 12:24 am

      This carrot cake looks downright GORGEOUS! Carrot cake is my absolute favorite but I've never tried making one myself, but there's no way I can resist this one! 🙂 Beautiful!

      Reply
    7. Mary Ellen

      March 11, 2014 at 10:56 pm

      Hi Shelby, I would of done the same thing I think. I can only imagine the panic you felt when that dish broke! The carrot cake looks fantastic!

      Reply
    8. Jenne

      February 18, 2014 at 9:57 am

      I love carrot cake! I need to really try this one at home.

      Reply
    9. Mama.Mommy.Mom.

      February 18, 2014 at 2:28 am

      My daughter (who is 7) will pass up any other dessert for a slice of carrot cake! She would be SO happy if I made this for her.

      Reply
    10. Nicky Omohundro

      February 17, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Carrot Cake is one of my favorite cakes. Slightly healthier than other cakes, it's moist and delicious. This recipe looks quite tasty. I hope Grumpy enjoyed his birthday.

      Reply
    11. ~~louise~~

      February 15, 2014 at 1:21 pm

      I really don't know why I haven't commented before Shelby. You have such an inviting blog. I guess I should tell you that I just checked to see if I had the ingredients to bake up a Carrot Cake today too, lol...It happens to be snowing again and Carrot Cake is sounding mighty good after reading your post! Thank you!

      Reply
    12. ~~louise~~

      February 15, 2014 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Shelby,
      I have been a lurker on your blog for quite a while now but today I feel compelled to comment after reading your lasagna story. It sounds like you just picked up the pieces and started again, Kudos to you! I'm not sure I would have had the patience. "Grumpy" was so sweet to encourage you not to worry about it too:) Lasagna is no easy meal to prepare especially twice!

      The carrot cake looks awesome! I'm sure it was heavenly and enjoyed by all. Thank you so much for sharing your mishap with us and the final delicious looking meal. Louise

      P.s. I just happen have a Carrot Cake Pinterest board so, I will be pinning your yummy looking cake:)

      Reply
      • honeyb

        February 15, 2014 at 1:10 pm

        Hi Louise, thank you so much for leaving a comment to let me know you had read my post. It means a lot when someone does that - especially when they have been a "lurker" as you state. I'm happy to have compelled you to let me know you were here! Thank you for pinning!

        Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Shelby Law Ruttan, I'm a mom, grandmother, and cookbook author for HoneyB's Kitchen who started blogging family recipes in 2007 for.... 

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