Carrot Bundt Cake the Best Dessert for Any Celebration
Stewart
Discover the perfect carrot bundt cake recipe! Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Try it today!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 55 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 14 Slices
Calories 375 kcal
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour base of your cake.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise resulting in a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Supports the leavening process helping the cake rise while maintaining a light crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The key spice that adds warmth and classic carrot cake flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A subtle addition that enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this! It helps to enhance the sweetness and harmonize all the flavors in the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar – A classic sugar that helps sweeten the cake without overpowering the natural flavors of the carrots.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 cup vegetable oil – Oil keeps the cake moist and tender giving it that lovely, soft texture.
- 4 large eggs – They help bind the ingredients together provide structure, and add moisture to the cake for a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and aroma of the cake.
- 2 cups finely grated carrots – Freshly grated carrots are the heart of this recipe bringing natural sweetness and moisture. They also help make the cake incredibly tender.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – For a little crunch and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cake.
- 1/2 cup raisins – If you love a little extra chewiness and sweetness raisins are a great addition.
For Frosting (optional):
- 8 oz cream cheese – This forms the creamy base for the frosting adding a rich and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- 1/4 cup butter – Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting enhancing its creamy texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a finishing touch to the frosting’s flavor.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour your bundt pan. This step is essential to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat every surface of the pan, then dust with flour to make it easy to release the cake after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt—by whisking them together thoroughly. This helps evenly distribute the spices and ensures a well-mixed batter. The dry ingredients are the backbone of the texture, so it's important to get them evenly mixed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture is what will give your cake its richness and moisture. It’s always a good idea to whisk the sugar and eggs first to break them up before adding the oil and vanilla.
Stir in the grated carrots. This is where the magic happens—fresh carrots not only add natural sweetness but also create a moist texture that makes this bundt cake so irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—doing so can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you’re aiming for. If you’d like to include extras like nuts or raisins, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your greased bundt pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and help the batter settle.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, depending on your oven. Start checking around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is done baking. If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes and test again until it’s ready.
If you’re adding frosting, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake has cooled, you can spread the frosting over the top or drizzle it for a more casual presentation. A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds a nice touch if you’re feeling fancy.
And there you have it—a carrot bundt cake that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your next celebration. The texture is tender, the flavors are balanced, and the frosting just takes it to the next level. Enjoy every bite, and share with the people you love!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
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Calories: 375
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Trans Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 52g
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Protein: 3g
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Cholesterol: 55mg
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Sodium: 220mg
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Potassium: 150mg
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Vitamin A: 80% of the Daily Value
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Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value
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Iron: 6% of the Daily Value
Keyword Carrot Bundt Cake, Carrot Cake Recipe, Cream Cheese Frosting, Moist Carrot Cake