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Costco Carrot Cake

Costco Carrot Cake Recipe

Costco Carrot Cake is a popular bakery dessert known for its large size, moist texture, and rich flavor. It is traditionally made with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is usually layered or topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, which adds a sweet and tangy taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Carrot Cake
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • ½ teaspoon salt.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar.
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil.
  • 4 large eggs room temperature.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
  • 3 cups finely grated fresh carrots.
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple well drained.
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut optional, but recommended for a Costco-style flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  • 1 –2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk if needed for consistency.
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish.

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk & Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Box grater or food processor for shredding carrots
  • Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
  • Wire whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
  1. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Fill the Cake Pans
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
  1. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes. Carefully remove them and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract. Add a little heavy cream if needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
Step 11: Garnish and Chill
  1. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top. Refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Slice the cake with a sharp knife and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this moist, bakery-style Costco-inspired carrot cake with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.