Homemade Costco Carrot Cake Recipe

The incomparable Costco Carrot Cake is a slice of heaven meticulously assembled layer by moist layer, swathed in a decadent cream cheese frosting that’s just tangy enough to balance the sweetness. This cake, my friends, isn’t just a dessert – it’s an experience.

How to make Costco Carrot Cake

​Costco’s carrot cake is a popular dessert from its bakery, celebrated for its moist texture, rich flavor, and generous cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 to 5 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted to remove lumps
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one large rectangular pan.
2. In one bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Using a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the sugars and oil until well mixed. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and mix.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

1. If the cakes have domed on top, trim the tops to create flat surfaces.
2. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second layer and continue frosting the top and sides of the cake.
4. For a classic Costco look, press additional chopped walnuts onto the sides of the frosted cake or sprinkle them over the top.
5. Let the cake chill for an hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Baking Tips:

• Ensure all your wet ingredients (eggs, cream cheese, butter) are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter and frosting.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter as it can result in a denser cake.
• Grate the carrots finely to ensure they distribute evenly in the batter and cook properly.
• If you like your cake spicier, adjust the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves.

What to serve with

Serving a slice of the lush, homemade Costco carrot cake enhances the experience, and the right accompaniments can enhance it further.

Beverage Pairings:

• Coffee: A cup of strong black coffee miraculously cuts through the richness of the cream cheese frosting, creating a balance between bitter and sweet.
• Tea: For tea lovers, a spiced chai or a gentle Earl Grey complements the spicy notes of the cake, while herbal teas like chamomile can offer a light palate cleanser after the dense Costco Carrot Cake.
• Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine such as a Sauternes or a Moscato d’Asti adds a touch of elegance to the dessert course. These wines have the sweetness and body to pair well with the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Milk: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic and comforting option, a cold glass of milk is a classic that harmonizes beautifully with any cake, especially the decadent Costco Carrot Cake.

Ice Cream:

Offering a scoop of ice cream on the side is a delightful way to add a cool contrast to the Costco Carrot Cake. Flavors that work well include:

• Vanilla Bean: The simplicity of vanilla complements the complexity of the spices in the carrot cake without overwhelming it.
• Cinnamon: To accentuate the spiced flavor profile of the cake.
• Salted Caramel: For a luxurious taste sensation that ties in beautifully with the cake’s cream cheese frosting.

Fresh Fruits:

A side of fresh fruits can lighten the overall richness and add a refreshing element. Consider:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries offer a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake.
• Citrus segments: Oranges or mandarin segments can introduce a vibrant, juicy acidity that balances the dense cake.
• Fig or Pear slices: For a fall-themed serving, these fruits pair wonderfully with the warm spices of carrot cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Costco’s carrot cake is renowned for its moistness, richness, and delicious cream cheese frosting. If you’re looking to replicate this delight at home but find yourself missing some ingredients, don’t worry.

Flour:

Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour.

Substitute: If you need a gluten-free option, a good substitute is a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Be sure to check if the mix contains xanthan gum; if not, add a half teaspoon per cup of flour to ensure your cake has the proper texture. Whole wheat flour is another alternative, but bear in mind that it will result in a denser cake.

Sugar:

Original Ingredient: Granulated white sugar and/or brown sugar.

Substitute: You can substitute the white sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or a liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey (in which case, reduce the amount of any other liquid in the recipe by about ¼ cup for every cup of liquid sweetener used).

Eggs:

Original Ingredient: Large eggs.

Substitute: To make the cake vegan or to avoid eggs due to allergies, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

Oil:

Original Ingredient: Vegetable oil.

Substitute: If you’re looking for an alternative to vegetable oil, applesauce or mashed bananas can be used in a 1:1 ratio for a lower-fat option. For a more nuanced flavor, coconut oil (melted) or even olive oil can be used, noting that olive oil will impart a more pronounced taste.

Carrots:

Original Ingredient: Grated carrots.

Substitute: Although carrots are a staple in carrot cake, you could substitute grated zucchini or squash in a pinch. However, this will alter the flavor profile of your cake.

Spices:

Original Ingredient: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger.

Substitute: If you’re out of individual spices, pumpkin pie spice mix can be a great all-in-one substitute. Start with less than what the recipe calls for each spice and adjust according to taste.

Nuts:

Original Ingredient: Walnuts or pecans.

Substitute: Any chopped nut, such as almonds or hazelnuts, can replace walnuts or pecans. For a nut-free version, try roasted sunflower seeds or simply omit the nuts altogether.

Cream Cheese (for Frosting):

Original Ingredient: Cream cheese.

Substitute: For a dairy-free frosting, use vegan cream cheese or full-fat coconut milk (chilled and whipped). If cream cheese isn’t an option, you can also make a simple buttercream (using dairy or non-dairy butter).

Butter (for Frosting):

Original Ingredient: Unsalted butter.

Substitute: For a healthier alternative, try using margarine or a vegan butter substitute. When choosing your substitute, keep in mind the slight change in flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

When serving Costco carrot cake, the key is to balance flavors and textures.

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• Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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