Publix Carrot Cake Recipe | Moist & Classic
Craving the soft, moist, and flavor-packed goodness of a Publix Carrot Cake? You’re in for a treat! s classic Publix-style carrot cake is rich, perfectly spiced, and finished with the creamiest frosting. Ry bite is loaded with fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, and that signature sweetness Publix cakes are known for. St me, once you try this recipe, you’ll feel like you just brought the Publix bakery right into your kitchen.
Cake Preparation
Baking a carrot cake from scratch is easier than you might think. Always say the secret is in using freshly grated carrots and keeping the batter moist with pineapple and oil. Low these steps, and you’ll have a bakery-style Publix carrot cake ready to wow your family and friends.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add vegetable oil while mixing until smooth.
- Combine wet & dry: Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mix until well combined.
- Add the extras: Gently stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. The batter would look rich and slightly thick.
Baking the Cake
- Divide the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and use a tula to smooth out the tops.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool down: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
One of the best parts of a Publix carrot cake is that luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s smooth, creamy, and pairs beautifully with the moist carrot cake layers. E’s how I make it at home:
Frosting Preparation
- Beat cream cheese & butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Flavor it: Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth. Frosting should be thick yet spreadable.
Layering and Decorating the Cake
- Level the cakes (optional): If the cakes domed a bit during baking, trim the tops with a serrated knife for even layers.
- Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add the second layer: Gently place the second cake on top and press lightly to secure it.
- Frost the outside: Using a spatula, spread frosting over the top and around the sides until smooth.
- Decorate: For the classic Publix look, garnish with finely chopped pecans around the edges or sprinkle some extra grated carrot for a rustic touch.
Serving Suggestions
Publix carrot cake is perfect on its own, but I love serving it slightly chilled with a cup of coffee or tea. You want to make it extra special, add a drizzle of caramel sauce or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Publix-Style Carrot Cake Fresh
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), Store your carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days. Ays ke,e p i t chilled because of the cream cheese frosting.
Freezing Carrot Cake
Want to save some for later? Can freeze carrot cake (with or without frosting). Place individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge, and bring to room temperature before serving.
Publix Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making carrot cake at home, the right tools make the process much easier and ensure perfect results. Here’s what I personally use when baking this Publix-inspired carrot cake:- Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans: To get that perfect bakery-style layer cake.
- Box Grater or Food Processor: For finely grating the carrots.
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold ingredients.
- Cooling Racks: Essential for letting cakes cool before frosting.
FAQ – Publix Carrot Cake Recipe
Can I make this Publix carrot cake ahead of time?
Yes! Then bake the cake layers the day before, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and keep them at room temperature. I prepare the frosting fresh and assemble the cake right before serving. That way, the cake stays moist, and the frosting looks perfect.
Does Publix carrot cake have nuts in it?
Sometimes. Publix sells versions both with and without nuts. You love the crunch, feel free to fold ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, or use them as decoration on the frosting edges.
Can I skip the pineapple in this carrot cake recipe?
You technically can, but don’t recommend it. Crushed pineapple gives the cake that signature moist, tender texture that Publix is known for. Hout it, the c ke may turn out a little drier.
Can I make cupcakes using this carrot cake recipe?
Absolutely! Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–20 minutes. With cream cheese frosting, nd you’ll have Publix-style carrot cake cupcakes.
What’s the best way to grate the carrots?
I always use a box grater or food processor. Please make sure the roots are finely grated so they blend seamlessly into the batter. I’d pre-shredded carrots; they’re too dry and won’t give you that moist Publix texture.
How do I store carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?
Always store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Tays fresh fo pto 5 days. You want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese?
Traditionally, Publix carrot cake is always topped with cream cheese frosting. Ven, if you prefer something lighter, a vanilla buttercream works well. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different from the classic Publix version.
Conclusion
Baking this Publix Carrot Cake recipe at home is one of the best decisions you can make if you love moist, flavorful, bakery-style desserts. With freshly grated carrots, juicy pineapple, and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake tastes just like the one you’d pick up from Publix.
I always say this carrot cake is more than just dessert, it’s a memory-maker, whether you’re serving it at birthdays, holidays, or just because, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? And make it right, yourchen with simple ingredients.
So, grab your grater, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a slice of this Publix classic.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
