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Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

Moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, freshly grated carrots and nuts. Starbucks-inspired, easy to make and perfect for special occasions.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:35:47 GMT
Easter Recipe for Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Starbucks Copycat) Pin it
Easter Recipe for Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Starbucks Copycat) | magichouserecipes.com

This luxurious version of the classic carrot cake combines juicy texture with spicy flavors and a seductively creamy cream cheese layer. Inspired by the popular Starbucks variation, this cake brings a piece of American baking art into your kitchen.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Carrots: Freshly grated for optimal juiciness
  • Nuts: Pecans for mild flavor
  • Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg for wintery warmth
  • Cream cheese: Double cream variety for creamy frosting
  • Oil: Canola oil for neutral base note
Easter Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - Starbucks Style Pin it
Easter Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - Starbucks Style | magichouserecipes.com

The Path to the Perfect Cake

Batter Preparation:
Finely grate carrots. Sift dry ingredients. Chop nuts. Weigh spices.
Batter Production:
Beat eggs until fluffy. Stir in oil. Incorporate dry ingredients. Fold in carrots.
Baking Process:
Prepare pan. Distribute batter. Perform toothpick test. Let cool.
Frosting Preparation:
Stir cream cheese until creamy. Mix in butter. Incorporate powdered sugar. Check consistency.

In my family, this cake is an absolute favorite especially at Easter. The velvety texture and balanced spice profile make it something very special.

Perfect Accompaniment

  • With espresso or chai tea
  • Fresh berries or caramelized nuts
  • Dessert wine for special occasions
  • Caramel sauce for luxury

Creative Variations

  • Gingerbread spice in winter
  • Pumpkin spice for fall
  • Coconut flakes and pineapple for tropical note
  • Chocolate pieces for chocolate lovers

Professional Storage

  • In the refrigerator for up to five days
  • Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes
  • Unfrosted cake can be frozen
  • Refrigerate frosting separately
Starbucks-Style Carrot Cake - The Best Recipe for Easter Pin it
Starbucks-Style Carrot Cake - The Best Recipe for Easter | magichouserecipes.com

Festive Decoration

  • Chopped pecans as a wreath
  • Marzipan carrots for Easter
  • Edible flowers for spring

Professional Kitchen Tips

  • Cut layers horizontally
  • Apply frosting in thin layers
  • Smooth edges with a palette knife

After years of experience, this version has proven to be the perfect balance between authenticity and modern taste. The combination of juicy texture, balanced spices, and creamy frosting makes this cake a timeless classic suitable for both family celebrations and festive occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes this cake so moist?
The combination of carrots, yogurt and oil creates the exceptional moisture. The ground almonds also contribute to the cake's texture.
→ Can I prepare the frosting in advance?
Yes, the frosting can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Allow it to come to room temperature briefly before using.
→ How long does this cake keep?
The cake keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature briefly before serving for best flavor.
→ Can I use different nuts?
Yes, hazelnuts or just walnuts work well too. The nut mixture gives the cake its special flavor profile.
→ Why should the cream cheese be room temperature?
Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily and creates a smoother frosting without lumps.

Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

Classic carrot cake with creamy cream cheese frosting Starbucks-style - super moist and simple to prepare.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake batter

01 1½ cups (200g) all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup (50g) ground almonds
03 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 1 teaspoon cream of tartar baking powder
05 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
08 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
09 3 large eggs, room temperature
10 ⅓ cup (90g) canola oil or vegetable oil
11 ¼ teaspoon salt
12 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
13 2 cups (200g) freshly grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
14 ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans and walnuts

→ Cream cheese frosting

15 10.5 oz (300g) cream cheese, room temperature
16 ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
17 Pinch of salt
18 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C) fan/convection or 375°F (190°C) conventional. Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) springform pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking soda, cream of tartar baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, vanilla paste, and eggs until creamy and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Slowly stream in the oil while continuing to beat. Gently fold in the yogurt, followed by the grated carrots. Add the dry ingredients and chopped nuts, folding just until combined with no visible flour pockets.

Step 02

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place on the lowest rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove the ring and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once completely cool, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice the cake horizontally into two even layers.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until light and creamy. If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly before using.

Step 04

Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about one-third of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Top with the second cake layer. Use an offset spatula or cake scraper to spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth or textured finish as desired. Garnish the edges or top with additional chopped nuts. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Notes

  1. If you notice the cake top getting too dark during baking, cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining time. Always use the toothpick test to ensure it's fully baked - insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This classic carrot cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8-inch (20cm) springform pan
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Offset spatula or cake scraper
  • Serrated knife for cake layers

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy products
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 395
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~