10/12/2026
**Old-Fashioned Homemade Carrot Cake**
This moist, flavorful carrot cake is a timeless homemade favorite! Made with freshly grated carrots, sweet raisins, crushed pineapple, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, every bite is soft, rich, and delicious. Finished with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this classic dessert is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a special family gathering.
**Ingredients**
- 6 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Cream cheese frosting, for topping
**Instructions**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated carrots and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 60 minutes, then stir in the raisins.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
8. Fold in the carrot and raisin mixture, followed by the chopped walnuts.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
10. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
12. Once completely cool, spread cream cheese frosting over the cake layers and assemble as desired.
**Baking Tip:** Use a hand grater for finely shredded carrots. They blend beautifully into the batter and help create a tender, moist cake.
Enjoy this classic homemade carrot cake with a cup of coffee or tea!
