Easy Carrot Bundt Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels cozy, classic, and utterly irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Carrot Bundt Cake. This recipe combines earthy-sweet carrots, warm spices, and a tender crumb into a cake that’s not only beautiful to look at but also rich with flavor. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a family gathering, or just a quiet weekend treat, this Carrot Bundt Cake delivers every time.
What makes it special? It’s moist without being heavy, flavorful without being overly sweet, and the Bundt pan gives it a gorgeous, bakery-worthy look without much extra effort. Plus, the creamy glaze (or cream cheese frosting, if you prefer) takes it over the top.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Carrot Bundt Cake, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips, substitutions, and storage. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve been baking this cake for years.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Bundt Cake
- Moist Texture – Thanks to freshly grated carrots, oil, and just the right balance of sugar, this cake stays soft and tender for days.
- Packed with Flavor – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add warmth, while optional add-ins like crushed pineapple, coconut, or nuts can make it even more exciting.
- Easy but Impressive – The Bundt pan does all the work when it comes to presentation. You get those elegant ridges without needing fancy decorating skills.
- Versatile – Perfect with a glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a rich cream cheese frosting.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Even people who claim not to like carrots usually fall in love with this cake.
Ingredients for Carrot Bundt Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dessert. These measurements make one standard 10–12 cup Bundt cake.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a little extra warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola or sunflower)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredient:
- 3 cups (about 330 g) freshly grated carrots (avoid pre-shredded, as they’re too dry)
Optional Mix-Ins (choose your favorites or combine):
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- ½ cup raisins or golden raisins
Glaze or Frosting Options:
- Simple Vanilla Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Bundt Cake
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly baked Carrot Bundt Cake every time.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly flour it. Pay attention to the grooves of the pan—this ensures your cake releases cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This step makes sure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cake may turn dense.
Step 5: Add Carrots and Mix-Ins
Fold in the grated carrots and any optional mix-ins you’re using (nuts, pineapple, raisins, coconut). The batter will be thick but moist.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. Cool completely before glazing or frosting.
Step 8: Glaze or Frost
Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cake for a simple finish, or spread with cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
Tips for the Best Carrot Bundt Cake
- Use freshly grated carrots. Pre-shredded ones are too dry and don’t soften properly in the cake.
- Room temperature eggs incorporate better, giving you a fluffier texture.
- Don’t skimp on the grease. Bundt pans can be tricky—make sure every nook is coated to avoid sticking.
- Let it cool before glazing. If the cake is even slightly warm, the glaze will melt right off.
- Spice it up. Adjust the spice blend to your taste—add cloves for a deeper flavor, or stick with cinnamon for a classic profile.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Carrot Bundt Cake is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas if you need to swap ingredients:
- Oil substitute: You can replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has xanthan gum for structure.
- Sugar options: Swap half the sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
- Add-ins: Try chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Delicious Variations
- Pineapple Carrot Bundt Cake – Add crushed pineapple for extra moisture and a tropical flavor.
- Nutty Carrot Bundt Cake – Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Coconut Carrot Bundt Cake – Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle more on top of the frosting.
- Spiced Carrot Bundt Cake – Increase the spices and add a pinch of cardamom for a warming twist.
- Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking and swirl gently for a cheesecake effect.
Storage Instructions
Carrot Bundt Cake keeps beautifully, which makes it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. (Especially important if using cream cheese frosting.)
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually or freeze the whole cake without glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious all on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate it even further:
- Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with coffee or chai for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Garnish with candied carrot curls or edible flowers for a festive touch.
- For holidays, decorate with pastel sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours
- Servings: 12–14 slices
Final Thoughts on Carrot Bundt Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking a cake that feels both nostalgic and impressive at the same time, and that’s exactly what you get with Carrot Bundt Cake. The combination of moist grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich glaze or frosting makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a family birthday, or simply as a treat with coffee, it never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Another reason I love this recipe is how adaptable it is. Some people like it simple and classic, others love it loaded with pineapple, coconut, or nuts—and the beauty of Carrot Bundt Cake is that it works beautifully either way. It’s also one of the few desserts that tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to mingle and deepen. That makes it an excellent make-ahead option when you’re planning a busy event.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by fancy cakes, this is the recipe that will change your mind. The Bundt pan does most of the decorating for you, creating an elegant shape that looks bakery-worthy without requiring advanced decorating skills. A simple glaze or cream cheese frosting is all you need to take it to the next level.
So if you’re searching for a dessert that’s simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough for entertaining, Carrot Bundt Cake is the answer. It’s timeless, versatile, and utterly delicious—one of those recipes that deserves a permanent spot in your collection. Bake it once, and you’ll understand why it has remained a favorite for generations.
