
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the natural sweetness of carrots and the depth of warm spices. It’s easy to make, requires no fancy decorating, and looks impressive straight out of the pan. The bundt shape allows the cake to bake evenly and beautifully, while the cinnamon gives it a cozy, comforting flavor perfect for fall or any time of year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Grated carrots
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12–14 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45–55 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours
Variations
- Cream cheese glaze: Top with a drizzle of tangy cream cheese glaze instead of powdered sugar.
- Pineapple twist: Add crushed pineapple for added moisture and a fruity note.
- Zucchini-carrot mix: Substitute half of the carrots with grated zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
- Coconut flair: Add shredded coconut to the batter for texture and tropical flavor.
- Spice it up: Add ginger or cloves for extra spice depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5–10 minutes.
To freeze, wrap the cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots are best for moisture and texture, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
What kind of oil should I use?
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best. Avoid strongly flavored oils.
Can I make this without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan or two loaf pans, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Should I peel the carrots before grating?
Yes, peeling removes any bitterness and gives a cleaner texture.
Can I add frosting instead of powdered sugar?
Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting is a popular and delicious choice.
Is this cake very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness from the sugars and carrots. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly, making sure every crevice is covered.
Can I use applesauce instead of oil?
Yes, you can replace half or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Carrot Cinnamon Bundt Cake is a deliciously moist and warmly spiced dessert that’s simple to make yet full of comforting flavor. With its stunning bundt shape and naturally sweet taste, it’s a perfect choice for family gatherings, holiday tables, or everyday indulgence. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with a glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Print
Carrot Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
- Yield: 12–14 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Cinnamon Bundt Cake is a moist, spiced dessert filled with grated carrots and warm cinnamon flavor, baked to perfection in a bundt pan. It’s easy, elegant, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in grated carrots and any optional add-ins (nuts, raisins).
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and texture.
- Ensure bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
- Replace some or all oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
- Add crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, or zucchini for flavor variations.
- Top with cream cheese glaze or frosting for added richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg