This Copycat Starbucks Carrot Cake recipe is packed with flavor! A moist and fluffy spiced cake with an incredible cream cheese frosting, what’s not to love? Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or simply craving a comforting slice of cake, this carrot cake recipe is guaranteed to transport your taste buds to dessert heaven.
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Have you ever gone through your local Starbucks line and noticed their carrot cake sitting perfectly on a plate in their glass food display? Well, if so, you know their cake is a Heavenly treat that is hard to beat. The only downside of their cake is the fact that it isn’t offered year-round. If that craving hits in July, chances are, you won’t be able to find it available on their menu. Now, with this simple homemade recipe, you can make this delicious recipe any time, as often as you want, and for a fraction of the cost! Go ahead, enjoy a piece for breakfast with your morning coffee, I won’t judge!
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Why You’ll Love this Starbucks Carrot Cake Copycat
- Moist and Flavorful– this cake is perfectly spiced and includes an incredible homemade cream cheese frosting that is the perfect addition.
- Inexpensive to make– using simple ingredients, this cake can be made for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at Starbucks.
- Perfect for any occasion– whether you are satisfying that sweet tooth craving, making for Easter, or having guests over, this cake is perfect anytime!
Starbucks Carrot Cake Ingredients
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step by step instructions.
- Eggs– you’ll want to use large at room temperature as they mix into the cake batter easier.
- Sugar– white granulated sugar, this adds the perfect touch of sweetness throughout the cake.
- Oil– I use vegetable oil, this adds the moisture to the cake.
- Flour– all-purpose flour, this is the foundation of the cake.
- Cinnamon/Nutmeg– ground, this adds the perfect amount of warm spice throughout.
- Baking Soda/Powder/Salt– these ingredients combine to give the cake its rise. Ensure freshness by changing out your baking soda/powder every 6 months.
- Carrots– you’ll need to grate these, so you don’t have large chunks in your cake.
- Butter– softened, I use unsalted to control sodium amounts.
- Cream Cheese– softened, this is the foundation of the cream cheese frosting. You can use low fat if desired.
- Vanilla Extract– try to use pure versus imitation as it adds more flavor.
- Powdered Sugar– this combines with the cream cheese to make the frosting sweeter.
- Milk– any type works, I use 1%
- Walnuts– optional but highly recommended. Gives a slight crunch throughout and makes the cake quite pretty when sprinkled on top. Pecans work great too.
How to make this Carrot Cake Copycat Recipe
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar and oil. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; beat into egg mixture. Stir in carrots.
- Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
- Bake in oven at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, in another large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Add enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency.
- Spread frosting between layers and over top and side of cake. Sprinkle on walnuts.
Storing Starbucks Homemade Carrot Cake
- Store leftover cake in your refrigerator until ready to serve.
- To store leftovers, place in an airtight cake container for up to 5 days.
- If freezing, place in a freezer safe container up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in refrigerator for at least 12 hours before serving.
FAQ’s
What does carrot cake taste like?
If you’ve never had a piece of carrot cake, you may be thinking you will only taste carrots. Luckily, that isn’t the case and the carrots blend in so much that you can’t really even taste them. Instead, you will taste a bright, spice cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting both inside the cake and outside. If using walnuts, they’ll add a slight crunch that really enhances the overall texture.
Is carrot cake healthier than other cakes?
Although it has fewer calories than a slice of cheesecake or chocolate cake with frosting, it still is a cake with sugar and frosting. You can decrease the sugar by up to 1 cup if you prefer a less sweet cake, but try the recipe as written and adjust the next time depending on tastes. You can also omit the frosting and enjoy the cake on its own.
What else can I add to my carrot cake?
If you like raisins, they make a great addition to the cake. About 1 cup raisins to the cake batter OR sprinkle on top.
How can I make this cake a bit easier?
Instead of making the homemade cream cheese frosting, feel free to buy 1 or 2 cans of store bought and simply frost the cake once cooled. Either way, you will have a delicious cake.
More Cake Recipes to try
Texas Sheet Cake– an amazing chocolate cake recipe made in a jelly roll pan and covered in warm chocolate frosting. It the easiest chocolate cake to make, and perfect for a party or potluck.
Dirt Cake Recipe– one of the best desserts taking only minutes to prepare. Deliciously addicting, this dirt cake is loaded with chocolate goodness in every bite. Moist chocolate cake combined with hot fudge, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed Oreos!
Banana Pudding Poke Cake– a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the classic flavors of banana pudding and yellow cake. With only 10 minutes of prep needed, this cake is perfect for BBQ’s, gatherings, potlucks, and more!
Strawberry Crumb Coffee Cake– moist, packed with juicy strawberries, and an irresistible buttery crumb topping that everyone will love.
Blueberry Brunch Cake– packed with juicy blueberries throughout a moist, fluffy cake and topped with an incredible cinnamon crumble that just can’t be beat!
This Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of moist carrot cake with the smooth tanginess of cream cheese frosting. Whether enjoyed as a special dessert for a celebration or simply as a comforting afternoon snack, this classic combination never fails to pleases. With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s no wonder that cream cheese frosted carrot cake remains a beloved favorite among dessert lovers. So go ahead and indulge in this cake – you won’t be disappointed!
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Copycat Starbucks Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 2 cups flour all purpose
- 3 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups carrots grated
Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter softened
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup walnuts chopped, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar and oil. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; beat into egg mixture. Stir in carrots.
- Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, in another large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Add enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency.
- Once cake has fully cooled, spread frosting between layers and over top and side of cake. Sprinkle on walnuts.
- Chill in fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.
Dragos says
Hi! Is it really 3 1/2 cups of sugar for the cream? I am curious as it seems a lot compared to butter and cream cheese. Thank you!
Kristin says
Yes, its 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar. It gives the cream cheese frosting the sweetness, but also helps create the texture and thickness that spreads onto the cake! Enjoy!
Mike says
I like this recipe, the spices make it! I like to “gussie it up” by adding chopped walnuts and crushed pineapple. That’s how we roll. This recipe is still great without my additions, definitely recommend it if you’re a Carrot Cake lover.
Kristin says
Can’t go wrong with extra add in’s for sure!! So glad you enjoy the cake too!
Mrs. T says
Is this the same as what is call “harvest cake?
Kristin says
Very similar, however, harvest cakes include a few more veggies and typically are sweetened with maple syrup versus sugars.
Deb says
Can this cake be baked in a 9 x 13 baking pan? If so, how long would you bake it?
Kristin says
Yes, I would start the cook time at about 30 minutes and watch from there! I haven’t personally tried it, but don’t see why that wouldn’t work great!