By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 14, 2023 | Last Updated on February 11, 2024
If you’ve ever indulged in a slice of Costco’s famous carrot cake, you know it’s something truly special. Moist, rich, and bursting with flavor, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that stands out on any table. But what if I told you that you could recreate this delight right in your kitchen? That’s right! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up a homemade version of Costco’s beloved carrot cake.
You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to make, yet the result is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because this recipe will help you bring a piece of Costco magic into your home. Let’s start!
What is Costco carrot cake?
Costco carrot cake is a delicious dessert that has become legendary among Costco shoppers. It’s a moist and flavorful cake, filled with fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, all topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. This cake has gained a cult following for its rich taste and generous size – perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in multiple slices yourself.
What makes Costco carrot cake so special? It all comes down to the quality of the ingredients. The recipe uses fresh, high-quality carrots, which are grated and then folded into the batter. This adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
The crushed pineapple also adds extra moisture, while the chopped walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. But the real star of the show is the cream cheese frosting, made with real cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. It’s rich, tangy, and perfectly complements the flavors of the cake.
If you love this Costco carrot cake, you’ll definitely like my pecan carrot cake, Edward Delling Williams carrot cake, and Trader Joes carrot cake cookies, other decadent cakes featuring carrots in the batter.
Why You’ll Love this Costco carrot cake?
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Costco carrot cake. First and foremost, it’s delicious! The combination of fresh ingredients, warm spices, and creamy frosting creates a perfectly balanced flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. You can easily make it at home and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.
Another reason to love this cake is its versatility. It’s a great option for any occasion – from birthdays and holidays to potlucks and bake sales. Plus, the generous size of the cake makes it perfect for sharing or freezing leftovers for later.
And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can easily create a few substitutions, like using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.
But perhaps the best reason to love this Costco carrot cake is the nostalgia it brings. Many people have fond memories of enjoying this dessert with loved ones at Costco, and now you can recreate those moments in your own home. It’s a taste of comfort and happiness!
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The Ingredients
Carrots: Carrots are the star ingredient of the carrot cake. They add a natural sweetness, moistness, and a vibrant orange color to the cake. Grated carrots are often used for their texture and their ability to blend seamlessly into the batter.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used in this recipe as a source of fat which adds moisture and richness to the cake. It also helps to bind the ingredients together.
Eggs: Eggs serve several purposes in baking. They help to leaven or lift the batter, add moistness, and they also provide structure to the cake.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of the cake. It gives the cake structure and serves as a medium for the other ingredients.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar does more than sweeten the cake. It also helps in browning and contributes to the moistness of the cake.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both are leavening agents that help the cake rise. Baking soda is used along with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar or chocolate) while baking powder has its built-in acid.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s a small but critical ingredient in most baked goods.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots and sugar. It’s a traditional spice in carrot cake.
Walnuts: Walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the cake. They also contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the cake, adding healthy fats and protein.
Cream Cheese: The main ingredient in the frosting, cream cheese gives it a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake. It also makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the frosting and makes it more flavorful and stable. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. In frosting, it adds a hint of warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioner’s sugar, this is used for sweetness in the frosting. Its fine texture allows it to blend smoothly into the butter and cream cheese.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Before you start mixing, make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures that they blend easily and evenly. Also, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon. Whisk together until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to fold in the ingredients until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Pineapple
Grate your carrots and drain the crushed pineapple. Add them to the batter and use a spatula to gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can also decorate with additional chopped walnuts or grated carrots for a beautiful presentation.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the cake into slices and serve with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. This delicious Costco carrot cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
Notes
- Make sure to use a large mixing bowl for the batter, as it can get quite full.
- For a lighter option, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- You can also add raisins or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor to the cake.
- To make slicing easier, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.
- For a more indulgent treat, warm up a slice of cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The frosting will melt slightly and make it even more irresistible!
Nutrition Information
How to store Costco carrot cake?
You can store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Before serving, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. It may be slightly less moist, but still just as delicious!
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, instead of walnuts.
- Add a cream cheese filling in the middle of the cake for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Top with a caramel drizzle for a decadent touch.
- Try making it into cupcakes instead of a cake for individual servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly (around 20-25 minutes).
- Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a classic buttercream or whipped cream frosting.
- Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Costco Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Flaked coconut
- ¾ cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ¾ cup Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Walnuts chopped
- 1 Can pineapple with juice crushed
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups White sugar
- 2 cups Carrots shredded
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a spatula to fold in the ingredients until everything is well combined.
- Grate your carrots and drain the crushed pineapple. Add them to the batter and use a spatula to gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut the cake into slices and serve with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Notes
- Make sure to use a large mixing bowl for the batter, as it can get quite full.
- For a lighter option, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- You can also add raisins or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor to the cake.
- To make slicing easier, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.
- For a more indulgent treat, warm up a slice of cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. The frosting will melt slightly and make it even more irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Yes, you can, but freshly grated carrots are preferred as they are moister and have a more vibrant flavor. Pre-shredded carrots can sometimes be dry.
How can I tell when my carrot cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Why is my frosting runny and how can I fix it?
Runny frosting could be due to the butter or cream cheese being too soft. Try chilling your frosting for a bit before using it. If it’s still too runny, you can add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
Wrapping Up
Costco carrot cake is a classic dessert that never fails to please. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion or just a special indulgence for yourself. Give this recipe a try and taste for yourself how irresistible this cake can be! So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!
Also, don’t forget to share your creation with us in the comments below!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
