Amish carrot cake recipe carries a warm, homey spirit rooted in farm traditions where resourceful cooking shaped treasured desserts.
This Amish carrot cake recipe reflects my passion for exploring fresh ideas, and creating it became part of my daily work as I keep discovering new things in the kitchen.
I shaped this version for families, home bakers, and anyone drawn to rustic sweets built on simple ingredients. The cake traces back to community gatherings where carrots stretched supplies and added gentle sweetness.
Now I share clear steps, serving notes, tips, health gains, additions, storage guidance, and answers.
The Secret To Super Amish Carrot Cake Recipe
The secret to a super Amish carrot cake recipe lies in the careful balance of ingredients and technique. Grated carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture, while applesauce adds softness without heaviness.
Using both brown and granulated sugar creates depth of flavor and gentle caramel notes. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves highlight the earthy flavors without overwhelming them.
Chopped pecans give a delicate crunch, and folding ingredients gently preserves air in the batter for a light texture. Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking and a tender, flavorful cake.
How To Prepare Amish Carrot Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Icing
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Warm the oven and ready the pan.
Set the heat to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch pan a thin coat of oil or lay in parchment so the cake lifts out easily. Make sure the pan is fully covered so the batter does not cling to the corners.
2. Blend the liquid ingredients and sugars.
Place the oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla in a roomy bowl. Use a whisk to bring them together until the texture turns glossy and even. The mixture should feel smooth, with no streaks of unmixed sugar.
3. Prepare the dry mixture.
Set out another bowl and add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir until the spices spread through the flour and the color turns uniform. This step helps the spices disperse so their flavor shows up in every area.
4. Form the batter.
Empty the dry mixture into the bowl of liquids. Use a spatula to draw the ingredients together slowly. Move the spatula around the edges and fold toward the center until the flour disappears. Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks even so the cake stays tender.
5. Add the carrots and pecans.
Scatter the grated carrots and chopped pecans into the bowl. Fold them in until they appear throughout the mixture. The carrots add moisture, while the pecans bring a gentle crunch.
6. Bake the layer.
Pour the batter into the waiting pan. Smooth the top so the cake rises evenly. Slide the pan into the warm oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick; when it comes out clean, the cake is done. The surface should spring back lightly when touched.
7. Cool and prepare the icing.
Place the pan on a rack and allow the cake to rest for about 30 minutes. During that time, stir confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla in a small bowl. Keep stirring until the mixture flows in a steady ribbon from the spoon.
8. Finish and serve.
Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled layer. Give it a short time to settle and firm up. Slice once the surface sets. Add a few extra pecans on top if you want a bit more texture.
Notes: This Amish carrot cake recipe stays incredibly moist thanks to the applesauce, carrots, and oil. Pecans can be lightly toasted beforehand for extra flavor. For a thicker frosting, reduce the milk; for a glaze-like finish, add a little more.
Nutrition Facts Of Amish Carrot Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this Amish carrot cake recipe because it delivers a tender, moist texture that melts in the mouth. Natural sweetness from brown sugar and applesauce blends beautifully with warm spices, creating a comforting flavor that feels timeless.
Grated carrots and chopped pecans add subtle texture, while the light, creamy icing enhances the cake without being heavy.
The Amish carrot cake recipe is approachable, giving consistent results, and the finished cake looks inviting on any table. It offers a homemade charm that brings warmth to gatherings and everyday moments alike.
Why My Recipe Works
This Amish carrot cake recipe works because every ingredient contributes to a harmonious texture and flavor. Grated carrots and applesauce keep the cake moist while maintaining a light structure.
Brown sugar adds natural sweetness and subtle caramel notes, balancing the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Pecans provide a gentle crunch that contrasts with the soft cake. Careful mixing prevents overworking the batter, allowing the cake to rise evenly and remain tender.
Baking at the right temperature ensures a golden top and fully cooked interior, making the result consistently delicious.
Serving Ideas
Serving this Amish carrot cake recipe can be both simple and special. Slice it into squares or wedges and serve on a decorative plate for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
Top each slice with a drizzle of the glaze, a dollop of whipped cream, or a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced oranges, complements the warm spices beautifully.
For a cozy treat, pair a slice with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. The Amish carrot cake recipe can also be cut into small squares for parties or potlucks.
My Tips For Success!
1. Always grate the carrots finely so they blend evenly into the batter, keeping the cake moist and smooth.
2. Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing; this helps the batter incorporate better and rise evenly.
3. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid a dense cake.
4. Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture to prevent over mixing and a tough texture.
5. Toast the pecans lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
6. Check the cake a few minutes before the timer ends to avoid over baking.
7. Let the cake cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
Health Gains For Amish Carrot Cake
Amish carrot cake recipe offers several health gains while remaining a delicious treat. Carrots provide beta-carotene, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support eye health and immunity.
Nuts, like pecans, add healthy fats, protein, and minerals that benefit heart health. Using applesauce reduces the need for extra oil or sugar, adding natural sweetness and fiber.
Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves contain anti-inflammatory compounds and may help stabilize blood sugar.
Though sweet, this Amish carrot cake recipe contains nutrient-rich ingredients that make it a more wholesome dessert option compared to heavily processed cakes.
Additions For Extra Delicious Ideas
➤ Pineapple – Fold in about 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained) for added moisture and a subtle tropical sweetness that complements the carrots and spices.
➤ Shredded Coconut – Add 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut to give the cake a chewy texture and enhance its flavor depth.
➤ Raisins or Dried Cranberries – Stir in 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy contrast.
➤ Orange Zest – Grate the zest of one orange into the batter to add a bright, fresh aroma that lifts the warm spice flavors.
➤ Cream Cheese Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the batter and swirl lightly before baking for a rich, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the carrot cake.
Storage
Store the Amish carrot cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a week.
For extended storage, the Amish carrot cake recipe can be frozen: wrap it well and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature before serving.
Keep the icing separate when freezing if possible, or add a fresh drizzle after thawing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pre‑shredded or frozen carrots work?
No the best results come from fresh, whole carrots that you grate yourself. Pre‑shredded or frozen carrots tend to be drier or too wet and can change the texture and moisture balance of the cake.
Can I mix the batter thoroughly to make it extra smooth?
Avoid over‑mixing. Stir only until the ingredients are combined and the flour streaks disappear. Over‑mixing develops gluten, leading to a dense or heavy cake.
What causes the cake to sink in the middle?
A sinking center can happen if the oven temperature fluctuates, the cake gets removed too early, or the batter contains too much moisture. Also, improper leavening (too much or too little baking powder / soda) or over mixing can cause collapse.
How can I prevent the cake from drying out?
Use freshly grated carrots (they release moisture as the cake bakes), include oil rather than butter (oil stays liquid and helps keep the crumb moist), and follow correct baking time and temperature.
Can I add extra mix‑ins like nuts, raisins, or fruit?
Yes but use them in moderation. Too many mix‑ins, or too wet add‑ins like pineapple or soaked fruit, can over‑moisten the batter and lead to soggy or structurally weak cake.
Is it okay to frost the cake while warm?
No let the cake cool completely before icing. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt or slide, ruining presentation and texture.
Conclusion
This Amish carrot cake recipe is a healthy, flavorful recipe that everyone enjoys. Every time I make it, it brings warmth and satisfaction to serving time and the reaction from friends and family always makes the effort worthwhile.
I created this Amish carrot cake recipe to share a simple, reliable method that delivers consistently moist, tender cake with natural sweetness and subtle spice.
After making it myself countless times, I wanted to pass along these steps in an easy way. I hope you try this Amish carrot cake recipe and experience the same joy and delicious results that I always enjoy.
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Amish Carrot Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan,
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients Â
For the Cake
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 3/4 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Icing
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
InstructionsÂ
Warm the oven and ready the pan.
- Set the heat to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch pan a thin coat of oil or lay in parchment so the cake lifts out easily. Make sure the pan is fully covered so the batter does not cling to the corners.
Blend the liquid ingredients and sugars.
- Place the oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla in a roomy bowl. Use a whisk to bring them together until the texture turns glossy and even. The mixture should feel smooth, with no streaks of unmixed sugar.
Prepare the dry mixture.
- Set out another bowl and add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir until the spices spread through the flour and the color turns uniform. This step helps the spices disperse so their flavor shows up in every area.
Form the batter.
- Empty the dry mixture into the bowl of liquids. Use a spatula to draw the ingredients together slowly. Move the spatula around the edges and fold toward the center until the flour disappears. Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks even so the cake stays tender.
Add the carrots and pecans.
- Scatter the grated carrots and chopped pecans into the bowl. Fold them in until they appear throughout the mixture. The carrots add moisture, while the pecans bring a gentle crunch.
Bake the layer.
- Pour the batter into the waiting pan. Smooth the top so the cake rises evenly. Slide the pan into the warm oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick; when it comes out clean, the cake is done. The surface should spring back lightly when touched.
Cool and prepare the icing.
- Place the pan on a rack and allow the cake to rest for about 30 minutes. During that time, stir confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla in a small bowl. Keep stirring until the mixture flows in a steady ribbon from the spoon.
Finish and serve.
- Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled layer. Give it a short time to settle and firm up. Slice once the surface sets. Add a few extra pecans on top if you want a bit more texture.