If you’ve been searching for the ultimate carrot cake, this recipe is the one you’ll want to keep forever. Baked completely from scratch, it’s unbelievably moist, tender, and packed with warm spices that make every bite comforting and rich. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, making it the perfect finishing touch.

This cake has been a family favorite for years the kind of dessert that never lasts long at any gathering. With its four layers of soft, flavorful cake and smooth, creamy frosting, it’s a showstopper that proves classic desserts never go out of style.
I’ll be honest because I didn’t think Gordon Ramsay and a cozy family cake could ever go hand in hand yet once I tried his carrot cake recipe I was completely stunned since it was so amazingly soft and full of flavor that I couldn’t believe it.

I baked it one chilly afternoon when the skies were gray and the house smelled like spice so when my partner peeked in and asked if that was from that chef I just shrugged however he took a slice then another which made me feel like I’d just secret-weaponed dessert that night.
So if you’re ready to bake and have ever thought a fancy chef’s carrot cake might be too complicated then stick with me because we’ll take it slow while laughing at the little mistakes and maybe even eating frosting by the spoonful since this one is truly worth it
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for the carrots
- 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9 inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer “for frosting”
- Wire cooling rack
- Knife for chopping nuts
Tips for
Grate Carrots Finely: this ensures the cake is moist without being too chunky.
Room Temperature Ingredients: use room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and butter for smooth mixing and a better texture.
Don’t Overmix: fold ingredients gently to avoid a dense cake.
Check Doneness Early: ovens vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Customize: you can add pineapple, shredded coconut, or swap nuts according to preference.

What to Eat with Gordon Ramsay’s Carrot Cake ??
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. It’s also delightful as part of a dessert table at a party, where its beautiful frosting and vibrant color will stand out.
Looking for more simple dessert recipes to try ? Here are a few of our favorites:
Ingredients :
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans “optional”
- 1/2 cup raisins “optional”
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Carrot Cake d:
Step 1
First preheat the Oven: preheat your oven to 350°F “175°C”. Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9 inch round cake pans and mix Dry Ingredients: in a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.

Step 2
Second combine Wet Ingredients: in a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth then combine Wet and Dry: gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 3
Third add Carrots and Extras: fold in the grated carrots, and if desired, the nuts and raisins. They add texture and flavor to the cake and bake: pour the batter into the prepared pan”s” and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If baking in round pans, check at 35 minutes.

Step 4
Finally cool: allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Cooling is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting then prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy, then frost the Cake: spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, garnish with extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
FAQ’S :
Can I use boxed cake mix?
While you can, homemade ingredients give a richer flavor and texture closer to Gordon Ramsay’s original recipe.
Is this recipe nut free?
You can omit the nuts if you have allergies; the cake will still be delicious.
Can I use other sweeteners?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can replace some sugar, but it may slightly change the texture.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting and store in a cool environment.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Carrot Cake
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium12
servings25
minutes40
minutes350
kcal1
hour5
minutesA moist, spiced carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s famous recipe. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans "optional"
1/2 cup raisins "optional"
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- First preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F "175°C". Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9 inch round cake pans and mix Dry Ingredients: in a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Second combine Wet Ingredients: in a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth then combine Wet and Dry: gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Third add Carrots and Extras: fold in the grated carrots, and if desired, the nuts and raisins. They add texture and flavor to the cake and bake: pour the batter into the prepared pan"s" and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If baking in round pans, check at 35 minutes.
- Finally cool: allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Cooling is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting then prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy, then frost the Cake: spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, garnish with extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
- Grated carrots : use finely grated carrots so they blend smoothly into the batter, keeping the cake moist.
- Spices : cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger give the cake its warm, classic flavor.
- Sweet balance : brown sugar adds richness and depth compared to using only white sugar.
- Texture boosters : walnuts or pecans add crunch, while raisins or pineapple can provide extra sweetness and moisture.





