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If you’ve ever had a slice of Starbucks carrot cake, you know it’s something special—moist, lightly spiced, packed with walnuts, and topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. This homemade version brings all those flavors together in a simple, bakery-style cake that’s perfect for coffee breaks, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat.
👉 Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups grated carrots
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👉 How to Make It
1️⃣ Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in grated carrots, walnuts, and pineapple.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
2️⃣ Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until fluffy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread with cream cheese frosting.
- Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with frosting.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for that Starbucks-style look.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them wrapped at room temp. The frosting can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 5 days.
2. Why add pineapple to carrot cake?
It keeps the cake extra moist and adds a subtle sweetness.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating for the best texture.
4. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes—bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
5. How do I make the cake extra moist?
✔️ Use fresh grated carrots (not pre-shredded)
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter
✔️ Add an extra tablespoon of oil for more moisture
This Starbucks-style carrot cake is soft, rich, and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting. If you love the original, you’re going to love this homemade version even more! 🥕🍰✨
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